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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



§14* ----- ^jw# l'^- 

Shelf i.S.l-V^ 



UNITED STATES OF ABIERICA. 



THE 



CITY OF 



SAINT LOUIS 






OF TO-DAY: <J»y 



ITS 



PROGRESS AND PROSPECTS. 



TRUTH IN HOMELY WORDS, 

AND FACTS IN FAITHFUL FIGURES. 



BY Nl/' NI. YEAKIvK, SEN'R. 



IXiXiTJSTie^^TEID. 



SAINT LOUIS: 

J. OSMUN YEAKLE & CO.^ 

1889. 



Wf am/v^-'* 






COPYRIGHT, 

BY 

Tvl. WL. YKAKIvK, SEN'R. 

IVIARCH, - - 1889. 

(AU.Riglits'.Resened. ) 



Star Printing Co. 
St. Louis. 



ACTION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ETC. 



ACTION OF" THE 

BOARD OK DIRECTORS 

OF THE 

SAINT LOUIS REAL ESTATE EXCHANGE 

IN RELATION TO THIS TREATISE. 



Whereas, The City of Saint Louis, having attained a posi- 
tion so commanding amongst all its Peers of every State : a jnst 
feeling of pride arises in the breast of its citizens, and prompts 
the wish to have their city better known to other communities ; 
And, 

Whereas, To accomplish such natural desire, we consider 
paper and type, in a Treatise, which shall set forth facts and fig- 
ures — fairly and faithfully — delivered through the medium of the 
mail, the best and most facile means and method for increasing: 
our population from aln'oad and of reaching capitalists, investors 
and manufacturers of distant localities ; And, j 

Whereas, Having become acquainted witluthe able Treatise of 
Mr. M. M. Yeakle, Senior, entitled "The City of Saint Louis 
OF To-Day: Its Pikkjress and Prospects." And, having takeni 
said Work under careful consideration: we find it most judicious 
in its themes, and admirably suited — through its large supply of 
fresh and reliable information — to the representation of our city 
abroad, and to cause it to be more favorably known where such 
information would be cheerfully received, and the result bc bene- 
ficial to St. Louis ; Wherefore, Be it 

Resolved, That this Board approves said Work, and urges 
upon the Author its early puldication ; And, Be it further 

Resolved, That this Board earnestly recommends the Members 
of this Exchange to obtain the said Work, and circulate it 
widely, wherever their judgment shall determine. 

Leon L. Hull, President. 

This is to certify, that at a meeting held this day at the Saint. 
Louis Real Estate Exchange, the Board having been addressed 
by Mr. M. M. Yeakle, Sen'r, the author of a Work entitled, "The. 
City of Saint Louis of To-Day: Its PRo<iRESs and Prospects." 
And, having previously read and carefully considered the said 
Work, the foregoing prea:\ible and resolutions were unani- 
mously adopted. 

Attest: Thos. F, Farrelly, Secretary. 

St. Louis., September 6, 1888. 



« 



ST, LOUIS OF TO-DAY 




TO THE READER. 



TO THE RBADKR. 



At the inception of this work it was expected it would be 
a piimphlet of ordinary lengtli. But the author early found that 
no reasonalde justice could be done to his subject without enlarg- 
ing the original limits. Again he fixed a bound — still too short — 
but sufficient to give a fair measure of satisfaction to himself. 

The work is the outgrowth of the opinion — entertained in 
thoughtful circles — that the city of Saint Louis is too little under- 
stood or appreciated abroad, especially in the Eastern and Mid- 
dle States, and that w^ere thorough information of its rare and 
abounding advantages suitably set forth in manner and form, 
that more enlarged views and juster opinions might be enter- 
tained, and the result be beneficial to the general interests of this 
city. 

All advertisements have lieen excluded from this work, in 
order to utilize its pages for the presentation of Saint Louis as 
a single and all absorbing subject. Further, it has not 
been written in the interest or for the benefit of any particular 
class of citizens, nor of any person or association of persons, but 
with the sole design of convening to strangers such knowledge of 
this city as was presumed they do not possess, but would cheer- 
fully receive. 

In conclusion, should these pages be read by any who would 
ask the question: "What might I do toward improving my 
fortune by investing ni}' money, time or skill, at the so-called 
Metropolis of the Mississippi Valle}'?" he could be answered: 
Come and see, investigate, compare and contrast. Then, you 
will probably reach the conclusion that it is the most inviting 
field between the Atlantic and Pacific. 

Respectfully, 

The Author. 

J^t. Louis, February 2S, IS'S'9. 




Si:COND BAPTItbT CIIULLCII, KT. LOUIS, MO. 



PREFACE. 



PRKKACK. 



The succeeding pages go from the author's workshop with- 
out any pretention as to the quaUty of the Work. But, he 
is confident that vahie may be found in his fidelity to fact, the 
rehability of his statements, and the authenticity of his figures. 
Nevertheless, he may be proud of the approval of intelligent 
gentlemen to whom he submitted his manuscript. 

The views presented in these pages relative to the quickened 
growth and large development of the City of St. Louis are only 
such as the most cgsual observer meets at every hand. The 
recent results have proceeded from the fresh life blood bounding 
in the manhood of the leaders of the j^eople, who have created 
a New City out of the Old, within a period of less than fifteen 
years. Citizens are apt to consider the present a New Era in 
their city's history, and that its able and active men are not 
behind, but fully abreast-of-the-times ! The Modern City was 
not "built wwer than its people knew," but wisely as they knew. 
The frail brick buildings upon slender foundations of the earlier 
days, have given place to huge structures whose base of granite 
is broad, deep and enduring. The successful attainments in 
the past few years have had the effect of encouraging the incep- 
tion and undertaking of other works, some of great value and 
necessity, such as the Merchants' Bridge, which might have slept. 
If the awakening is as profound as it seems to be, the forward 
movement cannot be stayed, but will be hastened. 

The views which the author has presented of the wide field 
of action oi)en to the capitalist and investor, the manufacturer 
and merchant, and the advantages of St. Louis for home-life are 
such as a stranger of intelligence could scarcely dissent from 
after careful examination of the ground, and, he might early 
find the "potentiality of great riches" clinging to the gates 
of St. Louis. No attempt was made to draw a line between 



10 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



the Present and Past, but rather to direct atteutiou to improve- 
ments which forcibly mark the contrast. 

In sending his work to the press the Author trusts, that a 
generous appreciation will follow his humble effort. The critic 
surely will discover faults, but he is expected to make no excep- 
tion to the style of composition, since he well knows that each 
individual man and writer, who is not an imitator or copyist, is 
more or less siii generis. 

Finally, to those friends who liaA^e kindly favored the Author 
with their advice and encouragement, he begs to tender his sin- 
cere thanks. 

The Authou. 

St. Louis, Fehruanj 28, 18S9. 




KDKN COI.LEGK, ST. LOUIS. 
OF THE GERMAN EVANGELICAL SYNOD OF NORTH AMERICA. 



THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



ITS PROGRESS AND PROSPECTS. 



IN SKVKN PARTS. 



TABIvK OI^ CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

Action of the Board of Directors of the Real Estate 

Exchange in Relation to this Treatise 5 

To the Reader 7 

Preface 9 

PART FIRST. 

CHAPTER I. The City of St. Louis : A Sketch of its 

Founding, Rise and Progress 21 

CHAPTER II. Saint Louis has taken Rank amongst 
all its Peers, the Most Modern and Most Pro- 
gressive 24-26 

CHAPTER III. The Central Site of Saint Louis: 
Assuring its Pre-eminence in the "Great Valley" 
forever! Eloquent Eulogium upon the Future 
Greatness of St. Louis, delivered by Hudson E. 
Bridge, in 185 L Reminiscences of Laclede Liguest 
BY Augusts Chouteau, his Companion when Choos- 
ing the Site to St. Louis ; Glowing tribute to 
XiAclede, Pronounced by James E. Yeatman, ix 1871. 27—33 

11 



12 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 




THK lAHlN IH'ILDIXU. 



TABLE OF CONTEXTS. 13 



CHAPTER IV. Saint Louis : A Gueat and Growing 
. Centre of Production, Conversion and Exchange. 
The Business "Plant" of St. Louis, Replete in 
nearly every element and department. a par- 
ALLEL BETWEEN St. Louis and other Western Cities. 
St. Louis: Great now, but Out of Comparison 
with its Future in Population and Opulence. St. 
Louis: A Factory of Production and a Market 
of Distribution 34-40 

CHAPTER V. Inexhaustible Deposits of Bituminous 
Coal, and Iron Ores within easy reach of St. 
Louis. Raw Coal versus Fuel-Gas ; the latter 
Compared with Natural Gas for generating steam. 
The Amount of Coal and Coke received at St. 
Louis the last four years. The Iron Industries 
of St. Louis. Statistics of the Mechanical and 
Manufacturing Industries of St. Louis, June 30, 
1888 41-48 

CHAPTER VI. Saint Louis: An American City 49-52 

CHAPTER VII. Saint Louis' Able and Active Men. 

The Noble Women of St. Louis 53-58 

PART SECOND. 

CHAPTER I. The Municipality of Saint Louis : Its 

Government. Elective Officers 59-61 

CHAPTER II. The Bonded Debt, and Financial State- 
ment for the Year Ending April 9, 1888 62-65 

CHAPTER III. Board of Public Improvements : Street 
Paving and Sewering ; Their Extent. Comparisons 
Showing the City's Devet^opment During Fifty 
Years 66-67 

CHAPTER IV. Water Supply. New Water Works in 
Progress — op a Capacity of from 50 to 100 Mil- 
lion Gallons Daily 68-71 

CHAPTER V. Saint Louis' Latitude, Temperature, 
Rain- Fall, Topography, Health. Miscellaneous : 
Area of Ci.y's Limits at Different Periods, etc. 72-74 



14 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

CHAPTER VI. The Street Railways. Street Nim- 
BERiX(i. The Building Material of Saixt Loris 

FOUND AT ITS DOOHS 75—77 

CHAPTER VII. The Buildings of the Municifalitv. 

Buildings of the United States 78-81 

PART THIRD. 

CHAPTER I. The Population of Saint Louis ; Active 
Agencies in its Growth. Where the Centre of 
Power is now Found in the United States 82-85 

CHAPTER II. The Real Estate PIxchange Associa- 
tion. Solidity of Titles to St. Louis' Real Estate. 
Abstracts of Title 86-88- 

CHAPTER III. Review of the Property Valuations 
of St. Louis in Recent Years. Tables of Valua- 
tion : OF Real and Personal Property for Twenty- 
five Years ; Of the Old and New City Limits for 
Nine Years. Building Permits for Ten Years. 
Growth in Value of City and Suburban Prop- 
erty. Recent Additions : Parks, Places, Boule- 
vards, ETC 89-06- 

CHAPTER IV. Saint Louis' Real Estate : Its Desir- 
ableness FOR Investment and Early Appreciation. 
The Advantages of St. Louis for Home-Life. . . . 97-09 

CHAPTER V. Titles to Real Estate of the Original 
"Commons," and other French and Spanish Con- 
cessions. The "Livres Terriens," or French and 
Spanish Land Record Books — Preserved "intact," 
Assessor's List Then and Now 100-103 

CHAPTER VI. The "Commons," and "Concessions" 
AVERE Maintained by Acts of Congress of the 
United States, and the Federal Courts. Title to 
3,800 Acres "Commons" Lands through City of 
St. Louis 104-107 

CHAPTER VII. The Old Business Section Revived 

AND Maintained 108-110 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 15 



PART FOURTH. 

CHAPTER I. The Saint Louis Agricultural and Me- 
chanical Association 111-1 1:^ 

CHAPTER II. The Permanent Exposition and Musk- 
Hall ; Its Grand Objects and Attainments 113-114 

CHAPTER III. Annual Street Illuminations ; their 
Maunificence. Parades ; Coming of the Veiled 
Prophet and his Suite. Statues of Eminent Men 
Erected in Public Parks and Twelfth Street 

Place -• 115-117 

CHAPTER IV. The Public Parks. Squares, Gardens 

AND Boulevards 118-111) 

CHAPTER V. Forest Park. Tower Grove Park. Bo- 
tanical Gardens 120-12() 

CHAPTER VI. Benton Park, Carondelet Park, La- 
fayette Park, Gravois Park, Hyde Park, Lyon 
Park, O'Fallon Park, St. Louis Place, Washing- 
ton Square ; and Seven Other Parks, Places and 
Squares. Cemeteries, Crematory 127-133 

CHAPTER VII. The Merchants' Bridge Company, 
Terminal Railway Company, New Union Passen- 
ger Railway Depot. * A Description of a few of 
the Buildings Completed in the Year 1888 : The 
A:\ierican Central, Commercial, Fagin, Bank of 
Commerce, LiONBERGER, Laclede, Liggett & Myers, 
Rosenheim, Independent Order, of Odd Fellows, 
Brown, Daughaday & Co 134-155 

PART FIFTH. 

CHAPTER I. Educational Institutions of St. Louis : 
The Public Free Schools Described ; Their Finan- 
cial Position and Endowment. Private Educa- 
tional Institutions Named 15 <-IhI 



*A Description of the New Buildings of the St. Louis University and Mercantile 
Library will be found in Part V, pages 163 and 183. 



16 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



CHAPTER II. Saint Louis University ; Its Complete 
Course of Seven Years. Washington University: 
College and Polytechnic School. Its Schools of 
Law and Botany, Smith Academy and Mary Insti- 
tute. Also, Its School of the Fine Arts and 
Manual Training School 163-180 

CHAPTER III. The Libraries of St. Louis : The Pub- 
lic Library, the Mercantile Library Association 
AND Other Libraries. List of Libraries and 
their Location 181-18G 

CHAPTER lY. Literature, Authorship and Art of 
St. Louis. Memorial Art Building. Artists and 
Art Collections. The Newspapers and Periodi- 
cals Published at St. Louis in the Year 1889. . . 187-189 

CHAPTER V. The Church Denominations and Church 
Buildings of St. Louis. Societies for Moral and 
Religious Improvement. Hotels, Baths, Natato- 
RiuM. Free Public Bathing. The Drama and Opera. 
Base Ball. Opportunities for Outdoor Enjoy- 
ment. Associations, Circles, Chapters, Clubs, 
Leagues, Lodges, Orders, Societies, etc. Saint 
Louis' Charity Toavards the Poor. Employer and 
Employe: their Mutual Respect. Profit Shar- 
ing. Absence of Discontent. Strikes Improbable. 
No "Anarchism" at St. Louis. Pay, Free, Chari- 
table AND Benevolent Institutions of St. Louis : 
Asylums, Homes, etc., Hospitals and Infirmaries, 190-200 

CHAPTER VI. The Railways Entering St. Louis : A 
List of those from the East, North, South and 
West. Offices, Civil and Military of the United 
States at St. Louis. Jefferson Barracks and Ar- 
senal. United States Courts, and Supreme Court 
OF Missouri. Foreign Consuls 201-203 

CHAPTER VII. St. Louis a Centre of Mining Capi- 
talists. Samplng and Testing Works — in Mining 
and Metallurgy 204-206 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 17 

PART SIXTH. 

CHAPTER I. Commercial and Manufactuking Growth 
OF St. Louis. The Scope of Territory Which 
Trades Directly with St. Louis' Manufactt^ring 
Industries, Fire Clay and its Products. Manu- 
factures in Glass. Chemical Works. Granite 
Iron Wares. Manufactured Tobacco. United 
States Internal Revenue from Tobacco and Beer 

MANUFACTURED AT St. LoUIS. ThE BREWING IN- 
DUSTRY ; Wine Production 207-222' 

CHAPTER II. The Advantages of St. Louis as a 

MANUFACTURING SiTE FOR CoTTON AND WoOLEN TEX- 
TILE Fabrics and Fine Pottery Wares, Paper, 
Etc. St. Louis Unites in its Single Site, the 
Possession of All the Raw Materials at Original 
Cost, the Advantages of the Five Great Manu- 
facturing Spots of Great Britain, Na^iely: Man- 
chester, Rochdale, Birmingham, Sheffield and 
Staffordshire, only in a Higher Degree 223-228^ 

CHAPTER III. The Mississippi River : Its Great and 
Lasting Value — in connection with an Isthmus 
Route to the West Coasts of North and South 
America, and Eastern Asia. Shall Trade be 
opened between St. Louis and Spanish America? 
May not the Mississippi be Navigated by Marine 
Steamships in Trade with Mexico, Central and 
South America? The Lucas Steamship: Is the 
Cost of an Experimental Ship Justified by the 
Value of the Spanish American Trade it Proposes 
TO Reach ? 229-239' 

CHAPTER IV. Trade Between St. Louis and Spanish 

America by Steamship 240-245 

CHAPTER V. Description of the Mississippi and 

Missouri Rivers. The Delta of the Mississippi . . 246-250 

CHAPTER VI. The Great Steel Bridge Spanning 
THE Mississippi at St. Louis. The City of East 
St. Louis, (Illinois). The Railway Tunnel — 
Constructed Beneath the Most Populous Part of 
THE City 251-256 

CHAPTER VII. The Present Prospects and Future 

of East End Improved Property 257-258 

PART SEVENTH. 

CHAPTER I. Grand Hall of the Merchants' Ex- 
change : Officers. Its Decoration 264 



18 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

CHAPTER II. St. Louis Cotton Exchaxgp: : Officers. 
Statement of Receipts and Shipments 1887-'88; 
Cotton Compresses. Commerce in Cotton. St. 
Louis Wool and Fur Association : Officers. 
St. Louis Live Stock Exchange: Officers. Na- 
tional AND Union StockYards 2(55—271 

CHAPTER III. Mechanics' Exchange of St. Louis: 
Officers. Mexican and Spanish American Ex- 
change. Associated Wholesale Grocers. Mer- 
chants' AND Manufacturers' Association. Brew- 
ers' Association. Implement and Vehicle 
Manufacturers' Association. Coal Exchange. 
BuiLDiN(i AND Loan Associations. Furniture 
Board of Trade : Officers. St. Louis Merchants' 
Brid(tE Coaipany: Officers. Western Commercial 
Travelers' Association: Officers. Southern 
Historical and Benevolent Association. St. Louis' 
Chapter of the American Institute of Archi- 
tecture : Officers. St. Louis' Institute of 

Architects : Officers 272-27(! 

CHAPTER IV. Bankin(4 Institutions. Annual State- 
ment OF Banks. Bank Dividends. Statement of 
Clearing House. Post Office of St. Louis : 
Large Growth of Its Business. Insurance Laws 

OF State of Missouri 277-280 

CHAPTER V. Grain and Flour Receipts for Five 
Years. Shipments for Five Years. Direct Ship- 
ments of Bulk Grain to Foreign Countries ; Also, 
TO New Orleans. Corn. Crops of the great 
Corn Growing States for Five Years. Capacity 
of the Grain Elevators of St. Louis. St. Louis 
AND Mississippi Valley Transportation Company. 
Flour Output of St. Louis' City Mills. Aggregate 
of Flour handled by St. Louis Millers and 
Dealers for Four Years. Comparative Quantity- 
of Flour Manufactured in Different Cities in 
the past Four Years. Geographical Position of 
St. Louis Relatively to the greatest Food Pro- 
ducing Fields in the United States. The 
Average Value of Exported Wheat from the 
United States during 68 years, to the end of the 
Fiscal Year, June 30, 1888. Quantity of Wheat 
AND Flour (reduced to wheat) Exported from 
THE United States since 1820 ; and, the Value per 
bushel and barrel for same period. Acreage, 
Production and Exports of Grain for past Seven- 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 19 

TEEN Years. Comparative Statement. Receipts, 
Shipments, Stock, and Consumption of Cotton, for 
P'ive Years. Table Showing the Gross and Net 
Receipts of Cotton at St. Louis. Report of 
Cotton Compressed. Officers of the St. Louis 
Cotton Compress Company, and Officers of Peper 
Cotton Compress Company. National Board of 
Trade Comjiittke on Representation and 

Extension 281-21)5 

CHAPTER VI. St. Louis' Wool Market. Re( eipts 
AND Shipments of Wool to and from St. Louis for 
Five Years. The Fur Market op St. Louis. 
Hide Market of St. Louis for year ending Dec. 
31, 1888. Hides Received and Shipped for Five 
Years. Provisions : Hogs packed at St. Louis 
for the last Two Years. National Stock Yards. 
Receipts of Cattle, Hogs, Sheep, Horses and 
Mules, from Jan. 1, to Dec. 31, for Fifteen 
Years. Ship.aients, for year ending Dec. 31, 1888. 
Receipts and Shipments at the entire Market, 
for Six Years. Lead in Pigs, White Leads, Lin- 
seed Oil, etc. Baling Cloth — manufactured, 
Shipped and in Stock for Five Years. Receipts 

OF Lu.AIBER AND LociS IN 1888, HaRDWOOD, ETC. . . .296-306 

€HAPTP:R VII. Business Tonnage in Leading Ar- 
ticles, Receipts and Shipments to and from 
St. Louis for the Years 1887-'88. Freight 
Traffic across the Mississippi River at St. Louis, 
in 1887- '88, GoiN(r East and West, severally. 
Conclusion. A Resu-aie of the Procuiess and 
Prospects of the City of St. Louis of To-Day. . .307-313 

APPENDIX. 

Actual A<;(iKEGATE of the Annual assessment of Real 

AND Personal Property 315 

Western Commercial Travelers' Association. Its 

Membership, etc 3 15-3 K! 

•'St. Louis, a Seaport !" 316-317 

Direct Line of Steamships, between St. Louis And 

the Argentine Republic 318-3 U) 

Water Communication between the Mississippi Valley 

AND Spanish America, a Necessity ! 320 

An Isthmus Route: Opinions of Von Humboldt ex- 
pressed TO Goethe relative thereto 320-322 

New National Bank. The "Continental" of St. Louis, 322-323 

MoLLANPHY '"Emergency" Hospital 323-324 



TABLE OF ILLUSTRATIONS : A FEW OF THE BUILDINGS 

RECENTLY ERECTED AND OTHER PROMINENT 

STRUCTURES — CLASSIFIED. 

Miscellaneous — 



Bank, Office, Store, etc. 
American Ckxtkal, Office 
Bank of Commerce, - - - 

Barr's Store, 

Brown, Daughaoay it Co, 

Store, 

Commercial, Store and 

Office, 

Cotton Exchange, - - - 
Courthouse, TO 

KXPOSITION AND MUSIC HaLL, - 2 

E. Jaccard Co., Store, - - - 
Fagin, Stoke and Office, - 
Four Courts, Municipal, - 
(Jrand Opera House, - - - 
Grand Tower Block, - - - 
Hamilton -Brown Co., 

Shoe Factory, - - - - 
Indep. Ord. of OddFelloavs, 
Jockey Club's Buili)In<;s, - 
Liggett-Meyeks Block, - - 

LlONBERGER BLOCK, - - - - 

Mercantile Library Block, 



Page. 

. 139 

- 71 

• 147 

• 152 

- 141 

- 266 



306 

13 

93 

114 

200 

27S 
314 
129 
95 
145 
184 



Merchants' Exchange Block, 264 
Xi'(iENT's New Stork, - - - 256 

Peper Block, 155 

Roe Block, 24S 

Rosenheim Block, - - - - 150 
Sickles' Saddlery Block, - 164 
s i m m o n s ' h a r d w a r e block, - 252 
Star Printinc; Co. 's Block, - 149 
\Vear, Boogher & Co., Store, 154 
(iERMAN Protestant Orphan's 

Home, 245 

Church Edifices — 

Second Baptist, - - - s 
Pilgrim Congregational, 48 
Cook Ave. Metii.Epis., - 88 
St. GEOR(iE's Episcopal, - 96 
St. Paul's German Evan., 258 
St. Mark's Lutheran, - 263 
Grand Ave. Presbyterian, 60 

St. Xavier's, 162 

Temple Israel, - - - - 190 
Academy of the Fine Arts: 
Entrance and Works of 
Art XVI. Century, - 172-175 



Page.. 
Amphitheater, Fair Grounds, 121 

125 
107 



Race Course Buildin(;s, - ■ 
Drawin(; Room, Cli b Hoise, 
Grand Hall, Merchants' Ex- 
change, 261 

Interior View of Cotton 

Compress, ------ -295 

Sugar Refinery, Plant, - - 105 
ExcELsn)R Manf'g Co., Plant, 282 
National Stock Yards, Plant, 271 
New Water Tower, - - - 69 

Shot Tower, 304 

Grain Elevator, - - - - -285 
Steel Railway Briixjk, - - 308 
The Li'cas Model Steamship, 238 
Park Views — 

Forest, 85 

Benton, 63 

Lafayette, - 91, 123, 12s, 131 
Tower Grove, - - - 74, 110 
ZooLO(JiCAL Gardens, - 101 
Cemeteries, - - - 132, 133 
View at Fourth and Pine Sts., 52 
Hotels — 



250 
168 
6 
276 
192 
194 



Hurst's, 

Laclede, 

LiNDELL, 

RlCHELIEl-, - - - - 

Southern, 

St. James', - - - - 

Newspapers — 

Globe-Democrat, - - - 189 

Post-Dispatch, - - - 197 

Republic, 103 

School, College and Uni- 
versity Buildings — 
Polytechnic public School 156 

Manual Training Scho(»l, 176 

Concordia College, - - 161 

Eden College, - - - - lo 

St. Louis University, - 162 

Washin<;ton University, 166 

Private Residences — 

Brownell, Mrs. M. E., - 98 

Culver, L. L., - - - - 99 

Kauffman, John W., - - 244 

Manny, W. B., - - - - 87 



ERRATA.. 

The paging after page 20, and up to page 60, is eight 
pages behind the proper numher: Page 13 should be page 
21, and each succeeding page up to page 60 should be ad- 
vanced eight pages. 

The cut at foot of page 180 should be named •' Build- 
ing of the National Government." 

These variations, together with a few typographical 
errors, will be corrected in the next edition. — Author. 




New Bnilding at S. W. Cor. Eleventh and St. Charles Sts., for DEEY & KAH-V. 

A. v. Ro?«nhcini, Architect. 



The City of St. Louis of To-Day. 



PART KIRST. 



CHAPTER I. 



A SKETCH OF ITS FOUNDING, RISE AND PROGRESS. 



LACLEDE, THE PIONEER ! 

^rariERRE LACLEDE LIGUEST, a Ereuchnian by 
Clf^ birth, possessed of education, enterprise and 
*^ intelligence, founded St. Louis on February 15th, 
1764, as a fur-trading post. But within a few 
years it became the recognized centre of the government, 
as it was of trade, of the territory of Upper Louisiana. 
Together with Louisiana at large, it was successively 
dominated over by the French and Spanish government, 
until, by the treaty of Paris, April 30, 1803, it was ceded 
to the United States, for the sum of fifteen million dollars. 
The town had then a population of 925 souls, all French, 
with the exception of a few Spaniards and Americans. 
At that period, the trade was exclusively in furs and pel- 
tries, and amounted annually to about a (juarter of a 
million dollars. 



14 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



In 1809, the territorial government erected St, Louis, 
which then had a popuhition of 1,100 souls, into a town, 
to be governed by a Board of Trustees. After Missouri 
became a State, in 1822, St. Louis was incorporated as a 
city, and in 1823, the first Mayor and Aldermen were 
chosen. At this period the population numbered about 
5,000 souls, of whom two-thirds were French, and one- 
third American. 

In 1831, the population was 5,960 souls, and the scale 
of nationality began to take larger weight on the side of 
Americans. In 1841, the area of the corporate limits of 
the city was enlarged to 2,865 acres; and, during the suc- 
ceeding five years, building and development were propor- 
tionately greater than for any previous term of equal 
length. 

In 1850, the National Census of population was 56,803 
souls. At this period occurred the Asiatic Cholera, from 
which seven thousand inhabitants died ; and the Great 
Fire, which destroyed three millions value in houses, 
steamboats and merchandise. 

In 1860, the Census was 160,773 souls. The follow- 
in of year the civil war began, and its disastrous effects 
upon the trade and commerce of St. Louis, and all its 
material interests, was equal to a check of an entire decade 
of growth and development. But the city — with abundant 
latent strength, and present energy — leaped onward after 
the close of the war. It experienced another "let-up" 
after the general financial crisis of 1873, but in 1880, the 
federal census of the city was 350,561 souls. 

Since then its growth in population and business has 
been beyond previous precedent. To reach a satisfactory 
estimate of the population at the close of the year 1888, 
the calculation is materially helped by the reply, in Sep- 
tember last, to an inquiry made of the chief of the Bureau 
of the Census at the federal capital (bv the Mayor of this 



.ST. IiOUlS OF TO-DAY. 15 



•city), who inquired '■'what estimate was made of the 
increase in population of the State of Missouri, in 1880?" 
The reply was, "forty per cent, increase." It is well 
understood, that the State per se has not increased as 
rapidly, or as nmch, as the City of St. Louis by at least 
ten per cent., or if the State has increased 40 per cent, 
then the city has increased 50 per cent., and by such data 
the present population of this city is 525,000 souls, which 
number many of the most astute of the active business 
'men claim. 

It is not within the scope assigned to this work to go 
into lengthy details upon any single subject bearing upon 
the material, social and other interests of St. Louis, espe- 
cially into comparisons of growth in trade, commerce and 
manufactures, which is left to publications dealing in statis- 
tics. ^ Nevertheless, it is aimed in this work to present 
certain facts and figures, in a concise and summary manner, 
relative to those valuable interests, which, whilst they go 
little into details, still show very large current gains, and 
suggest very great possibilities of increase in the future. 

Now. that the theatre of business life is trodden by a 
larger number of more enero-etic actors, in men of business, 
than ever before in this city, it is looked for, that every 
advantage will be taken of each passing opportunity to 
raise this city to a greater and greater height in every 
interest relating to her welfare, wealth and grandeur. 



16 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



CHAPTER II. 

ST. LOUIS HAS TAKEN RANK AMONGST ALL ITS PEERS— THE 
MOST MODERN AND MOST PROGRESSIVE. 



"This city uow tlotli, lilie a garmeut, wear 

The beauty of the moruiug." — Wordsicorth. 

From the date of the inauguration of that great work 
of the mag:nilicent bridae — unitino; the Avest and east sides 
of the "'Father of Waters" — at 8t. Louis, in 1867, and 
more especially from its completion, (together with its ter- 
minal facilities by tunneling the most populous part of the 
city), and the union of numerous great railway lines at a 
common point of ingress and egress — affording the largest 
facilities for the incoming and outgoing traffic in freight 
and passengers, until at length the volume of inter-com- 
munication and commerce has grown — in less than lifteen 
years — so enormously as to choke the bridge and its con- 
nections, with a plethora of transit business, and to make 
manifest the very great need of another such structure — 
spanning the "Inland Sea." 

From the advent of the ' ' Eads " ' Bridge till its readi- 
ness for occupation, the pul)lic mind was in anxious expec- 
tation of very large benehts to follow immediately upon 
its construction. It was not possible that other than the 
most beneficial results should ensue, yet the highest expec- 
tations of the most sanguine have been greatly exceeded 
])y the great groAvth of the trade and commerce of this 
city, in which the Bridge has been an indispensable factor 
and adjunct. 

The Bridge, a titanic structure, has aided both in 
makins: and maintaining the fortunes of the business men 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 17 



and owners of real estate of St. Louis ; and, from the auspi- 
cious era of its opening and successful use in 1874, there 
dawned a new day of golden effulgence! Then, modern 
St. Louis was born ! That day developed a fresh, red blood 
flowing in the arteries of citizens representing all ranks and 
avocations. The elder men were filled with new life, 
and the younger inspired — all resolved on what Demos- 
thenes termed eloquence: action! action! ACTION! 
Since then, the elder and younger men have seen with 
clearer preceptions the grand present and grander future 
of their city, resolved with intenser earnestness, and per- 
formed with greater vigor. They have not waited but 
watched, and promptly taken advantage of opportunities 
to develop their personal resources in active measures to 
increase the commerce, manufactures and real estate values 
of th-eir city, by wise and legitimate agencies, and to em- 
ploy the vast resources of the great territory around it. 

Such efforts, prompted by commendable pride and 
ambition, led them earnestly onward to accomplish still 
something greater each year — seeking new schemes of 
enterprise which involved the public good with their per- 
sonal advantage — and it is not unfiting compliment to those 
citizens to say that they had the public good at heart, 
whilst aiding and leading in public and private works and 
enterprises, such as the encouragement of the municipality 
in purchasing the land for the Great Park, and in adorning 
all the public parks, the granite paving of their thorough- 
fares, and in numerous other ways. But, of themselves, 
they reared the great Exposition Building, and other mag- 
nificent buildino;s, such as the Fair Grounds and Jockev Club 
attractions, etc., all the outcome of private stock subscrip- 
tions. They clearly saw the large personal pecuniary 
benefits Avhich they should realize, if not directly, then 
indirectly, from such investments. The annual illumina- 
tions, parades and street shows — some ludicrous, yet in the 



18 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

main chaste and artistic — have continued to add new fea- 
tures to the city's attractions, and draw several hundred 
thousand visitors from the surrounding states. 

Turning to the improved styles, greatly enlarged 
dimensions, and increased cost and number of new office,, 
bank, mercantile, manufacturing and other business build- 
ings and blocks ; church, college ajid school edifices ; the 
large number of magnificent private palaces, and the 
immense number of new residence houses, in every variety 
of style and size, and of all degrees of cost, (adapted to the 
rich, the well-to-do, and the humbler citizen of smaller 
means) for their own occupation, sale, lease or rent. 
These results, of late, are most pleasing, being an index of 
the immense strides made w^ithin the last few, especially 
the last three years : whilst the buildings, finished and 
finishing, of this year, are the grandest, costliest and most 
splendid that have ever been built in this city, and are 
rivals and peers of the superb structures of any city of the 
United States. 

The changes and improvements which have been made 
in this city in the public thoroughfares, the cable railroads, 
street lighting, the thorough system of drainage and 
sewerage, large additional supply of wholesome water,, 
able fire extinguishing and salvage systems, public and 
private attention to sanitation of houses and premises, have 
all been means and agencies to make a new city out of old 
Saint Louis, in fine, this city has been transformed, and the 
aspect on all sides is most cheerful and encouraging, being 
full of promise of still greater improvement and develop- 
ment in each succeeding year. 



V 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 19 



CHAPTER III. 

THE CENTRAL SITE OF ST. LOUIS — ASSURING ITS PRE-EMI- 
NENCE IN THE "GREAT VALLEY" FOREVER! 



" Who shall place a limit 
To the giaut'.s uiichaiuecl strength, 
Or curb his swiftness in the forward race? " — Bryant. 



Nature herself has prcn'ided the site of every great and 
permanent City ; and even in its crude, and at its, pres- 
tine period, there is no difficulty m finding it! Laclede 
Liguest — the founder of St. Louis — was a man of obser- 
vation^ and experience. He had seen cities of the Old 
World (as Paris, the metropolis of his native country), and 
paused to consider their situation and surroundings. When 
he saw the spot which he chose — the site of the present great 
city, for the first time — he was so forcibly impressed with 
its rare advantages of situation, at the confluence of the 
mighty Missouri, and upon the bank of the "Father of 
Waters" — that, he gave utterance to his surprise and 
delight! and as Chouteau — his companion — relates, the 
same day on meeting the French officer in command of Fort 
de Chartres (and the only other person of note within 
more than a thousand miles), he told him in rapturous 
words of admiration and joy that, "he had that daij found 
a site for his home and business, that it was all he could 
desire, and he would make a beginning on that spot, 
which might some day become one of the finest cities of 
America, and that he did not hesitate in the choice he had 
made ! " * 



*NOTB.— Atiguste Chonteau accompanied Laclede in his search for a site for his 
trading post and left a Dairy, of which only a fragment remains, and is preserved 
in the Mercantile Library of St. Louis. — Author. 



20 ST, LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

The opinion of an able and observing man — noted for 
high intelligence and sound judgment, upon any subject, 
is always received with respect, even should his views 
not be taken; but, when several agree upon the same suli- 
ject — their conclusion is usually final. More than half a 
century has passed since the last of the two opinions — we 
shall now quote — was uttered, but now there are countless 
proofs patent to every intelligent mind — of the Grand 
Present, and still Grander Ftiture of St. Louis ! 

Judge H. M. Brackenridge of Pittsburgh, a very a1)le man 
and discriminating traveler — who visited St. Louis in 1811, 
after seeing large portions of the Great Valley, saA's, in his 
very entertaining Journal: "The chief cause of its great 
prospective growth (St. Louis), is her unrivaled posi- 
tion as a distributing centre : that there must he a jjlace 
of distrihution somewhere between the mouth of the Ohio 
and the Missouri; that a trade would ])e opened with New 
Spain ; * and that direct communication with the East 
Indies — [via the Isthmus] was only a question of time ; and 
tliat accomplished, St. Louis would l)ecome the commercial 
emporium of the "American Nile!" At that time no 
steamboat had yet been launched on any western water, 
and Oliver Evans' ^^sfeani loagoi},'' had not even been 
planned, except in his brain. 

The other quotation presents the views of another emi- 
nent man and citizen, the first mayor of Saint Louis, Wil- 
liam Carr Lane (distinguished alike for his great al)ilities 
and virtues during a prolonged, useful and honorable life 
ended years since). In 1823, at his instalation, address- 
ing himself to the aldermen, he said : 

"The fortunes of the inhabitants may fluctuate, you 
and I may sink into oblivion, and even our families become 
extinct, but the progressive rise of our city is morally cer- 
tain. The causes of its prosperity are inscribed on the 

*NOTE. — As old Mexico was then culled.— Author. 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-UAY 



21 



very face of the earth, and are as periiiaiient as the foun- 
dations of the soil and sources of the Mississippi ! These 
matters are not ])rought to your recollection for the mere 
purpose of eulogy, but that a suitable system of improve- 
ments nuiy always be kept in view, that the rearing of the 
infant city may correspond with the expectations of such 
a mighty futurity I" 

Let a stranger visit Saint Louis, view its site, and have 
knowledge of its surroundings — including its great tril)u- 
tary territory of permanent resources, of ever increasing 
volume, pouring its wealth incessantly into the lap of this 
city, and he cannot fail to imbibe an opinion in respect to 
St! Louis, similar to that of another noted man— whose 
talents and genius are acknowledged in the two hemi- 
spheres,* — in regard to London, when witnessing in wrapt 
attention the sale of the plant and effects of Thrale's 
brewery. Being asked what he could find in such a scene 
to interest Mm, he replied, "I see in and around me, sir, 
the potentiality of great riches!" This opinion (at a per- 
iod when London was liot much larger than St. Louis of 
to-d^y ) and justly spoken of a single manufacturing plant, 
and its possibilities,— applies with apt and argumentative 
force to this city in ^7*- entireti/. All the earlier and seem- 
ingly extravagant predictions, (when they were uttered) 
have been more than fulfilled within the observation and 
experience of living men, who need none to tell them — for 
they see around them the potentiality of great riches, both 
in the present and future of the solid growth of this 
city in wealth and grandeur. 

*XoTE.— Doctor Samuel Johnson, author and lexicographer, who, more than 
a hundred years ago, discerned the future of the vast growth in the wealth of Lou- 
don through one only of its established industries. Of the same sort of industry. 
Saint Louis has to-day the greatest on the globe! (paying an annual direct tax to 
the government of a half million dollars) ; but this city possesses many other and 
very diversified industries,— in manufactures, producing annually a coin value 
ma7iy times more than all those of London of that period.— ^«Wor. 



22 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



ELOQUENT EULOGIUM UPON THE FUTURE GREATNESS OF ST. 
LOUIS. DELIVERED IN 185L* 



"Life is not a time of dreamius, 
Staudiug still, or askiuii wlieu — 
Mere resolves, or worldly seeming — 
Duty calls for earnest men." 



The Author considers that he is doing a service to 
Saint Louis, whilst rendering a just tribute, (in which all 
citizens would unite), to the high character and abilit}^ of 
a former eminent citizen, now deceased, by reproducing, 
at least a part of an eloquent essay, of thirty-eight years 
ago. The indications of the future destiny of the city 
of St. Louis were there so strong that the utterance 
of sentiments such as his was appreciated by large num- 
bers of the leading and observing citizens of that day ; but 
it is no disparagement of their intelligence and foresight to 
say, that their highest views, and grandest expectations 
have been so far transcended in the growth and greatness 
of this cit}' (witnessed now after the lapse of nearly forty 
years), that "the dreamy flight of a visionary," as a few 
viewed his opinions, was not nearly equal to the realizations 
of to-day ! 

"Earnestness is the watchword of -the men of St. Louis. 
At the present day especially, they will prove themselves 
worthy to be citizens of this goodly city — whose future is 
rich in promise. A bright, enviable destiny awaits it — as the 
time is not distant when from one hundred to two hundred 
millions of our race will find their homes, in this most 
fertile valley that a Beneticent Being has bestowed upon 
the human race. And when these vallej^s and plains shall 

*NOTE.— Extract from the fifth annual report of the Mercantile Library Association, 
of St. Louis, January 14, 1851, by Hudson E. Bridge, President. — Author. 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAYr 



23 



resound with the hum of the ceaseless industry of teeming 
millions, what then will be the bounds of our city ? May she 
not become an Island City? with the mighty, restless 
Missouri for its northern, the magniiicent Mississippi, as 
now, its eastern, and the pure, limpid, beautiful Meramec 
its southern border. Situated as St. Louis is, in the very 
heart of the valley, and, comparatively speaking in the 
centre of this continent, may not the time come when the 
pulsations of her commerce shall be felt from Baffin's Bay 
to the Mexican Gulf, and vibrate, with e(iual intensity 
along the shores of the placid Pacitic, and from Panama to 
Prince Williams' Sound? 

The ruins of the ancient cities of the valley of the 
Nile excite our wonder and admiration. Yet we are laying 
the foundations of a city, on the banks of the Mississippi, 
that sliall excel them in extent, wealth and refinement, as 
the Mississippi exceeds in volume that of the Nile, or the 
Anslo-Saxon or Celtic races excel in energy and intellectual 
greatness the ancient Copts. Those hopes and expectations 
may be pronounced wild and visionary." 



REMINISCENCES OF LACLEDE BY AUGUSTE CHOUTEAU, HIS 

COMPANION WHEN CHOSING THE SITE OF ST. 

LOUIS. GLOWING TRIBUTE TO LACLEDE 

BY A DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN. 



He planted ^\iser than he knew." 



Auguste Chouteau, wdio was chosen by Liguest to accom- 
pany him in his search of a location, Avhich should at once 
be his residence and a central trading post, ( l)ut shortly 
became the capital of "Upper Louisiana," as well) kept 



24: ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



a journal of early events, which was destroyed by an acci- 
dent, except a fragment only, He relates: "That in the 
month of December, 1763, Laclede set out ())y batteaux 
from the landino: nearest Fort Chartres), to look for a 
suitable site for the establishment of his settlement, taking 
with him Auguste Chouteau, who possessed his confidence, 
and (commencing at a point nearly opposite the Fort) 
he examined all the ground to the Missouri river : then 
returned, and decided upon the spot where St. Louis now 
stands. He was delighted to see the situation (to find 
a location so eligible), and did not hesitate to fix upon 
it as his home, and to begin a settlement. Besides the 
beauty of the spot, he found all the advantages which he 
could desire for a settlement, and one that might in time 
l)ecome considerable. After examining the place and sur- 
roundings, he fixed upon the exact locality where he wished 
to settle and build, marked some trees with his own hands, 
and, turning to Chouteau, said : "You will come here in 
the spring — on the opening of the river — and cause this 
spot to be cleared of the trees in order to begin our settle- 
ment after the plan I shall give you. ' ' Chouteau continues, 
"we returned immediately to Fort de Chartres, and Mons. 
Laclede, addressing himself to Captain De Noyon, the com- 
mander — in the presence of his officers — said with enthu- 
siasm : That he had found a location where he should l)egin 
a settlement, and which might Itereafter become one of tJie 
Jinest cities in America, that there were so many advant- 
ages embraced in the sight and locality for the forming of 
other settlements around it." 

No attempt shall be made to comment on this fragmen- 
tary leaf of Chouteau's Journal; but instead, to reproduce 
an extract from an address made to a St. Louis audience, 
eighteen years ago l)v a distinguished citizen still living, in 
language, than which it would l)e difficult to choose words 
more befitting the theme, and in which every citizen may 



25 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

sympathize and feel a becoming pride and grateful satis- 
faction that his lot has been cast at so highly favored a 
spot. 

He said: "Laclede seems to have had a prophetic 
vision of the coming greatness of the city which he was lo- 
cating — it at least dawned upon his mind. Could the hand 
of Omnipotence have drawn aside the veil, so he could have 
had a glimpse of it, with its busy population, its crowded 
streets teeming with life, its miles of storehouses, its pala- 
tial residences, its foundries and furnaces, its machine 
shops and manufactories, its churches and school houses 
and colleges, its waters no longer traversed by barges of a 
few tons burden, propelled by sinews and muscles of strong 
men — occupying many months in making a voyage from 
New Orleans to Saint Louis ; but by great vessels propelled 
by steam, carrying vast burdens, and moving almost with 
the speed of the wind; the land traversed b}- numer- 
ous railroads with their long trains freighted with human 
beings and the rich products of every clime, arriving and 
departing each hour, contributing to the wealth and growth 
of the little trading post established by him, and which he 
said 'mioht become one of the finest cities of America,' 
this seemed no less probable to Mons. De Noyon and his 
officers at Fort de Chartres, than do the predictions of 
those now in our midst — who tell us that St. Louis is not 
to be one of the greatest, but tJie greatest city on this con- 
tinent, and the capital of an empire."* 

* Extract from the address of James E. Yeatman, at the 25th anniversary of 
the founding of the St. Louis Mercantile Library Association, Jan. 13, \81\.— Author. 



26 .ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



CHAPTER IV. 

SAINT LOUIS, A GREAT AND GROWING CENTRE OF PRODUC- 
TION, CONVERSION AND EXCHANGE. 



"To you, ye Gods, belongs the Merchant! o'er 
The waves, his sails the wide world's wealth explore; 
And, all the while, wherever waft the gales. 
The wide world's wealth sails with him as he sails." 

— Schiller. 



Saint Louis is planted in the centre of a very great 
area of rich and populous country — greater than that of 
any other city in America — of either continent. The 
agricultural resources are the products of the Valley of the 
Great "Longitudinal" River, which covers more than 30 
degrees of lonsfitude and 25 of latitude, down to the semi- 
tropics. Scarcely a fourth of this vast territory has yet 
been tamed or developed from the primeval forest, and 
native prairie ; the immensity of the volume of production 
of the future, in whatsoever ministers to the comforts or 
delights of man, when it shall all be utilized, from the 
sources of the Mississippi, thence to the Mexican Gulf, and 
from the western slope of the AUeghenies to the mountains 
at the west, cannot be estimated, but the yearly increase 
is simply incalculable.* 

St. Louis, as by magnetic attraction, draAvs into her lap 
a very large and increasing proportion of the productions 
and trade of that magnificent territory, and is acquiring 
more and more each recurring season ; until, in time, the 
swelling flood shall roll in, not to harm or destroy, but to 



*NOTE— Within the geographical limits of the valley of the Mississippi— iuclud- 
ing its branches — it is estimated that a population of three hundred million human 
beings could subsist and yet not exceed to the square mile a larger number than 
many countries in Europe. — Author. 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 27 

enrich its people, and build up each vacant lot of ground 
with the dwellings of a mighty population, and with ware- 
houses, groaning under a surfeit of stores ; then — having 
already verified Laclede's prediction — "of becoming in 
time one of the finest cities of America" — it may be the 
greatest. 

To assume the ultimate consumation of such future for 
this city, there must be a foundation for the claim, and 
the possession, within itself, of all the elements necessary 
to receive, and the ability to utilize the incoming flood of 
commerce and population. The solid basis of this claim 
will not be questioned, any more than the mighty future of 
the surrounding territory. Then, the accretions from the 
remotest circumference, shall be so considerable as to make 
of St. Louis a World's Depot; and, its people rivals in 
opulence and influence of the greatest cities of the globe ! 



THE BUSINESS "PLANT" OF ST. LOUIS IS REPLETE IN NEARLY 
EVERY ELEMENT AND DEPARTMENT. 



Moreover, it is suggested, that, to be a great Commer- 
cial and Manufacturing Centre — such as St. Louis is — 
requires the possession, in active daily business routine, of 
all that, which, in the language of the counting-room, is 
called Exchange, Conversion and Production. 

B}^ Production, we understand that which is derived 
from "held, forest and mine." Conversion implies the 
consumption of food products and fuel, use in manufac- 
tures — changing the crude or rough material into different, 
and more valuable forms and conditions, but, including 
all the uses and dispositions made of nature's productions. 
Exchange, is manifestly Commerce and Banking, the 



28 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

purchase and sale of all productions received from abroad, 
or manufactured at home, and their distribution at large. 
Transportation is a necessary adjunct, and an essential 
factor, but must lie easy, direct and cheap. 



A PARALLEL BETWEEN ST. LOUIS AND OTHER WESTERN 

CITIES. 



In drawing a parallel between other western cities and 
St. Louis, we naturally take Chicago, Pittsburgh, Cincin- 
nati and Louisville, whoso geographical position and 
business relations toward this city are well understood. 

These cities are all centres of commerce and manufac- 
tures, but, in the case of the two last named, their 
surrounding, available territory is hedged, as compared 
with that of this city, and its area cannot be enlarged, 
except on the south, the northwest being held by Chicago, 
and the west by St. Louis. 

Chicago, at the divide between the great water-shed of 
the Mississippi valley, is a great commercial site and city, 
but is vastly inferior to St. Louis as a manufacturing site, 
and whose greater advantages will continue to grow with 
the years. This city being possessed of cheap fuel, that 
which "made" Pittsburgh, and gave her the prime element 
of advantage over less favored spots, is at no disadvantage 
in comparison with the most favored manufacturing sites 
in respect to an abundance of fuel, in raw coal and fuel- 
gas. 

Pittsburgh, planted at the junction of tAvo important 
rivers, the sources of the Ohio, wdiich begins the valley of 
the ]Mississippi at the northeast, was a grand manufacturing 
site and centre before the discovery and use of natural gas. 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 29 

which, in recent years gave that city a great advantage in 
manufacturing over some other places, Init at the present 
time, by the very successful production from our coal of a 
fine quality of fuel-gas, St. Louis is placed upon an equality 
of advantage — in the cheapness of its manufactured pro- 
ducts with any natural gas locality. 

Saint Louis possesses all the advantages of the cities 
mentioned, but in a degree which surpasses them all, 
(without any of their disadvantages), and is at once a 
^reat central mart of commerce — in Exchange, Conver- 
sion and Production — the focus towards which the trade of 
the Mississippi valley, and a vast territory beyond, is 
■constantly tending; and shall become, before many years 
have elapsed, the zone of the population of North America. 



ST. LOUIS GREAT NOW, BUT OUT OF COMPARISON WITH ITS 
FUTURE IN POPULATION AND OPULENCE. 



The site and surroundings, conditions of trade and com- 
merce of this city are all most favoral)le — located on the 
great "Inland Sea," at its centre, and near the confluence 
of the other greatest river of North America, (the Mis- 
souri) ; between the mouths of the Ohio and Illinois; and 
closely connected with, and joined to the Great Railroad 
Systems of the United States, Canada and Mexico — it 
is pre-eminently situated for attracting, acquiring, and 
holding a very great trade in ever increasing proportions 
and value. Besides, other systems of railroads are annually 
being built and will continue to be constructed toward St. 
Louis — as to both a necessary and profitable connection. 

The producers and agents in the agricultural and grazing, 
the mineral and timber districts on all sides, from great 
2 



30 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



distances seek this city as their point of conversion and 
exchange to many the most accessible, direct and profita- 
ble market; and, in return, they take the wares, merchan- 
dise and manufactures found here in variety in every de- 
partment ; the extent of the accessible and tributary terri- 
tory dealing with this city from the four points of the 
compass, their populations and productions amazing in 
extent and variety — increasing at a rate unexampled in any 
other countrv or age — can a limit l)e fixed to their growth?' 
The prospects are such as are not surpassed, or scarcely 
equalled by any other site! Such is the happy experi- 
ence, and such the grand prospects of St. Louis whose 
natural and acquired advantages are supplimented and util-- 
ized bv the enterprise and intelligence of her active men 
of business. 

The tens of thousands of miles of railroads, leading; 
from and centering at this city, as the initial and focal 
point, and the fifteen thousand miles of navigable rivers — 
forming the "Inland Sea" — and connecting it with all the- 
o;lobe beyond — conveying the productions of the Great 
Valley, and of the hills, mountains and plains — in gold,, 
silver, fruit, Avine and wool; rice, sugar, cotton and to- 
bacco; wheat, maize, butter, cheese and meats; timber,, 
lumber, lead, iron and coal — all delivered at the depots- 
and wharves of St. Louis. Think of the amazing annual 
increase of all productions and facilities; then inquire, 
wdiere shall the limit be? and the echo answers where? 
This tide of commerce and trade can no more be stemmed^ 
or turned away from this city than the floods of men, 
money and merchandise which irresistably and incessantly 
pour their tides into the cities of New York and London. 

Other towns and cities, w^ithin the circumference of 
the vast territory which surrounds St. Louis, will continue 
to grow and flourish, and others still shall spring up — in 
valley and plain, on mountain and shore, but, this citj 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 31 

shall keep, cannot lose, its preeminence — as the Central 
Mart of a Great Continental District — any less surel}- than 
that the City of New York should ever fail of her suprem- 
acy over all other cities of the United States ! 



ST. LOUIS— A FACTORY OF PRODUCTION AND MARKET OF DIS- 
TRIBUTION. 



Through the enterprise of the active business men and 
capital of St. Louis, the city of to-day presents most of the 
able aids to modern progress, supplemented to great nat- 
ural advantages of site and surroundings. As a railway 
centre^ connected with all parts of the continent, central^ 
accessable, and in direct communication with all other bus- 
iness centres, it is available on the most economical 
terms of freightage to the manufacture, handling and dis- 
tribution of the products of the soil, mine and forest, and 
of the workshop and factory. Whilst the limits pre- 
scribed for this work do not permit of extended tables of 
statistics, there will be found elsewhere, in a condensed 
form, the results of the last years business of this city 
obtained from standard authority, and most reliable and 
direct sources. Our space permits of only the summary 
sales in leading lines of merchandise — of wholesale and 
jobbing merchants — but the reader will tind ample refer- 
ence to all the leading industries of this city. 

Producers and dealers from part of the states east of 
the Mississippi, and from the greater part west of the 
Great River, market productions and purchase supplies to 
a greater or lesser extent at St. Louis. In the Northwest 
and State of Illinois, this city competes with Chicago; and 
in Indiana with Cincinnati and Indianapolis ; whilst with 



32 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

the Southern Valley States, the great trade of ante-bellum 
days is enjoyed in excess of all previous times. 

St. Louis is second in the production of flour, flrst in 
manufactured tobacco, and all products of lire-clays; and in 
sales of hardware, drugs, chemicals and groceries, is a 
rival both of Chicago and New York ; Avhilst in malt liquors 
it exceeds in value any other spot on the glo])e. 

Through the efforts of the able men conducting the 
Merchants' Exchange, a valiant contest has been waged 
against railroad freight and bridge toll discriminations, 
which have been the greatest obstacles to all intelligent 
plans and earnest endeavors to enlarge the commerce of 
this city, and put it in the forward rank. The operation 
of the Inter-State Commerce Law has not met the gen- 
eral expectations of benefit which it promised; but, the 
construction of the New Merchants' Bridge across the Mis- 
sissippi, at a most favorable point, with its terminal rail- 
way facilities, will abate excessive tolls to a minimum of 
the cost; the assurance that this most needful structure 
will be built and completed within thirty months, raises to 
blood-heat the zeal of merchants and manufacturers to 
lend their aid in hastening the day of disenthrallment from 
an odious monopoly, in the present bridge, which has so 
greatly hampered commerce. 

The owners of real estate at the east end of the new 
bridge, in Illinois, all in north St. Louis, especially along 
the east front wharves, will be enriched by the rise in the 
active value of their property, which, by the time the 
Bridge and Terminal are completed, will be raised to triple 
the present values; but property values will be largely 
increased throughout the eutire city. 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 33^ 



CHAPTER V. 

inp:xhaustible i)p:posits of bituminous coal and iron 
orp:s within easy reach of st. louis. 



Bituminous and Cannel Coal are both found through- 
out the larger portion of the State of Missouri, in limitless 
quantity, and of fine quality ; but, in the immediate vicinity 
of St. Louis — "across the river in Illinois" — great mines 
of bituminous coal supply the city of St. Louis with 
an excellent quality ; upwards of one hundred coal com- 
panies of that State offer their coal on the markets. The 
State Geologist, Professor Swallow, thirty years since, 
estimated the quantity of good available bituminous coal 
in the State of Missouri at 134 million tons, but later 
discoveries and estimates make the figures yery much 
larger. 

The recent "finds" of great beds of fine quality of 
cannel coal, in different counties of Missouri, swell the 
total of fuel deposits still larger. 

The late discovery of improved processes for the making 
of fuel-gas from coal of varieties furnished for consumption 
at St. Louis — adds still more to the fuel supph' of this 
city ; and, as it has been found, that the supply of natural 
gas is unreliable, and growing more expensive by reason of 
the failure of w^ells, and the great expense of boring 
others; the cost of fuel-gas is no greater in the long run, 
which places this city, certainly on an equality of advant- 
age in fuel with any other manufacturing site. 

MOUNTAINS OF IRON. 

The "Iron Mountain" is a mountain of iron, and is 
situated in Saint Francois county, Missouri, distant eighty- 



34 ST. LOUIS or to-day. 

one miles from St. Louis, and is composed almost exclu- 
sively of iron ore in the purest form, denominated "specu- 
lar" ore. 

The other immense deposits of iron ores are found in 
Iron county, which adjoins St. Francois, and are Pilot 
Knob, Shepherd, Arcadia and Bogy Mountains; these 
^vonderf ul formations probably possess more iron ores of 
purer qualities than any other of equal area on the globe, 
and Iron county is in truth the iron county of the United 
States. 

Originally the Iron Mountain was 228 feet in height, 
its base covered an area of 500 acres, and it was estimated 
to contain 1,655,280,000 cubic feet, or 230,187,375 tons 
of ore. 

Pilot Knob is 581 feet in height, and 1118 feet above 
the bed of the Mississippi river at St. Louis, it covers an 
area of 360 acres, the ore yields sixty-five per centum, and 
the quantity was ascertained to be fourteen million tons. 

Shepherd Mountain is 6(iO feet in height, nearly two 
miles in length by one mile in width, and covers an area of 
800 acres. Its ores are mainly a mixture of magnetic and 
specular oxides ; the polarity of the former frequently 
<^aused it to be called loadstone. 

The Iron Mountain is located forty-one miles from the 
Mississippi river at Ste, Genevieve. It was first mined 
extensively in 1845, and the ore hauled over the hill road 
to the river by wagons in thousands of tons. In 1852, the 
quantity delivered at Ste. Genevieve was largely increased 
after the completion of a plank road; but since 1857, upon 
the construction of the Iron ISIountain Eailroad, the ore has 
been hauled to St. Louis by rail in vast (piantities. 

The earliest iron mine in this group was opened in 1840; 
but, the mountains of ore were known to Missourians long 
previously. A little more than fifty years ago, geologists 
at the East knew of these vast piles of iron ore and even 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



35 



that tliev were very pure, but the general pul)lie scorned the 
possibility of the existence of "a mountain of iron," and 
^-onsidered the storv a nivth, or boast of western people 
raccustomed, as they said, to "spin yarns." Even the 
President of the United States did not receive the informa- 
tion of the existance of such huge masses of ore as a 
Terital)le fact.* 

In later years the enormous masses of iron, of marvelous 
value, which the hand of nature has so lavishly bestowed 
upon the State of Missouri, have excited the wonder and 
;admiration of the world. 

The vast yearly consumption of iron products in num- 
berless and indispensable forms, has made it a connnercial 
barometer, indicating the rising and falling of the tide of 
the o-eneral public prosperity. It has become an axiom, that 
when the market for iron is dull, or the demand light, it is 
significant of a drop in trade, or decline in industrial 
activity; but, when the demand is active or large, it is 
indicative of the reverse condition, namely, that the general 



*NoTB —An entertaiuiiifr storv is recalled to memory— related directly to the 
^iithor thirty years since-bv the \vido\y of the former United States Senator Lewis 
!F Linn so lii^'hly esteemed in his day, and colleai;ue of Thomas H. IJenton. Mrs. 
Xinn-a most estimable and accomplished woman and true daughter of Missouri- 
told in a charming manner the following incident, which occurred at the AA hite 
House, about the year 1888. It was during the administration of President ^ an 
JJuren and at a dinner party to which they (Senator and Mrs. Linn) were niyited 
guests ; sitting near the President at the banquet, she spoke of that great natural 
wonder— not very distant from her home at Ste. Genevieve-a mountain of iron ! 
and of such wonderful purity, as to be utilized directly at the forge of the workman ! 
Mr Van Buren listened attentively, but looked incredulous, and remarked: "Oh, 
Mrs Linn, vou western people are too i>oetical." The lady quickly rejoined, " very 
well Mr President, I shall be enabled to show you on our return from Missouri 
next' winter, that if poetical, we are practical, as well." Mrs. Linn stated, that she 
had often visited the iron mountains, and had knowledge of a competent workman 
accustomed to utilize the ore; and of an old pioneer, who had seen buffalo m south- 
,east Missouri, and preserved several horns of the bison. Upon returning to Ste. 
<Jenevieve Mrs. L. went horseback over the rough hills, and obtained sufhcient of 
the ore with her own hands and carried it to the workman, who, under her direc- 
tion forged a laru-e knife, and polished it; and, out of the bison's horn, she had a 
.handle made for it, then a scabbard of morocco. Being thus furnished with a spec- 
imen-proof of her true storv of the mountain and its peculiar ore, Mrs. Linn waited 
upon the President the following winter, in womanly triumph, and presented the 
Jinife to the ungallant host, who made ample i\po\ogy.— Author. 



36 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

lines of industries are prosperoas, and trade at par, where- 
fore, Iron is King ! 

We might, like Sparta, do without gold or silver, but 
would become barbarians without iron. Iron — unknown 
to the Britons until the Roman domination — has been the 
main lever in raising England to her pinnacle of Avealth -, 
the same with Pennsylvania — it has become her ablest fac- 
tor in opulence; to the State of Missouri, and the City of 
Saint Louis, in particular, manufactured iron products will 
continue to be a source of greatest wealth. 

The ores of this metal are found in great variety for all 
purposes in the manufacture of iron in three-fourths of 
all the counties of the State of Missouri ; but in all those 
of the southeastern part with only one or two exceptions, 
and always in great abundance. 



RAW COAL VERSUS FUEL-GAS FOR rTE:^.ERATING STEAM 
POWER. NATURAL GAS AND FUEL-GAS COMPARED. 



As is well known, fuel-gas is not a Meier steam-generating; 
fuel, but the improved processes of its manufacture, within 
the last two or three years, have greatly increased its use- 
ful value, for instance over the Siemens' process — and 
patented by Mr. Westinghouse, of Pittsburgh.* His dis- 
covery consists in making a fuel-gas which can be stored,, 
or conveyed directh' in wrought-iron pipes to factories — 
where steam is required — ov to stores and dwellings, for 
heating or cooking ; and further, he has succeeded in 
eliminating from this flowing and portable fuel-gas the 

*\ote. That gentleman stated to a committee of St. Louis Capitalists, who visited 
his plant to investigate and experiment with our coal, that he had expended a quar- 
ter million of dollars in experiments before meeting with success in making a su- 
perior fuel -gas. — Author. 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 37' 

tar, which, under old processes adhered to, and choked the 
pipes and gasometer. In this success consists the special 
advantage in greater part over the Siemens', or old process. 

A few of the St. Louis iron and glass manufacturers 
have adopted the use of fuel-gas, which they make at their 
works, and use hot from the generator; their process of 
making it is not yet perfected, and for the present they 
will continue to consume it in the hot state, otherwise, they 
would be speedily troubled with a tar coating of conveying 
pipes; but, they are engaged in experiments to expel the 
tar, and use the fuel-gas cold. 

Nevertheless, the late improvements in the manufacture 
of fuel-gas are so great as to give the assurance, that it is 
the coming fuel iov generating steam; indeed, enthusiastic 
manufacturers declare that the value of fuel-gas over raw 
coal is like a tallow-dip candle, a half century ago, in 
comparison with electric lighting at the present day. 

The experience of the St. Louis establishments in the 
use of fuel-gas shows that it has an enormous advantage 
over the raw coal as used ; first, in economy, and secondly,, 
in obtaining a better quality of product. As a result, other 
large manufacturers of this city are about to build gas 
plants at their works, and adopt this wonderful fuel. As 
compared with natural gas, it is more reliable, and as cheap ! 
At one of the very large iron works of this city, the use of 
fuel-gas — made on the premises — has realized an enormous 
saving in cost of fuel. So completely has the new fuel 
come to be valued, that a member of this firm has declared, 
that even if natural gas had been found in immense volume 
near Webster in St. Louis County — where a company ex- 
pended a large sum of money in sinking wells without suc- 
cess — he would not take it, as he is now getting better re- 
sults and cheaper fuel by the use of fuel-gas. 

Li iron and glass works, and other manufactories 
where a large (|uantity of fuel is consumed, independent 



38 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

gas generators Avill be employed, l^ut other consumers of 
fuel — manufacturers, business establishments, and dwell- 
ings — will shortly have offered them the benefit of fuel-gas. 
It can be said, that a company composed of some of 
the ablest men of this city, is now being organized to 
make and supply this fuel to consumers, delivered from 
wrought iron pipes. The company will be enabled to fur- 
nish fuel-gas at no higher cost than the present price of 
natural gas at the City of Pittsburgh. At that city it has 
become necessary of late, owing to the exhaustion of wells, 
to advance the price of gas, which caused a remonstrance 
on the part of consumers, who decline to pay a higher rate. 
The compan}^ which furnished the gas, threatened to cut 
off the supply; but, the courts l)eing appealed to, granted 
a temporary injunction. The furnishing of natural gas is 
followed, after establishing a very costly plant re(juired 
in its distribution, by the enormous expense of sinking 
new wells to replace exhausted ones ; and, even in the ])est 
fields, its price is more expensive than the fuel-gas made 
and used by St. Louis manufacturers. 

Less than two years ago, all the great iron and glass 
Avorks of Wheeling, West Virginia, were using natural gas; 
but, only recently the last one of these works gave it up, 
and, are again using either raw coal, or fuel-gas of their 
own making. 

Some manufacturers of St. Louis, two or three years 
ago, had fears least they might not be able to compete in 
prices with similar works at Pittsl)urgh ; but, now they 
realize their full ability to manufacture as cheap as that, or 
any other locality using natural gas ; and, that they have 
nothing to fear from competition ; having now in the 
fuel-gas a permanent fuel, just at their doors — cheaper in 
the long run than natural gas — and giving them such ad- 
vantages as are equalled by few spots, and not surpassed 
by any manufacturino; site. 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



39 



AMOUNT OF BITUMINOUS AND ANTHKACITP: COAL AND COKE 
KECPnVEI) IN ST. LOUIS THE LAST THKEE YEAKS. 



1887. 



188(). 



1885. 



Bituminous Coal 
•Coke 

Anthracite Coal. 



Bushels. 

()(), 524, 02.5 
9,584,350 

Tons. 

()5,000 



Bushels. 

(11,258,525 



Bushels 
53,387, 0(14 



5,4()3,U50! 3,500,000 



Tons. 
70,000 



Tons. 

80,000 



THE IKON INDUSTRIES OF ST. LOUIS. 

No statistics of the iron industries are availalile (there 
being no special record of their multiform productions) and 
it is only by observation and deduction, that an estimate 
of their extent and money value may l)e formed. But, in the 
production of the blast furnaces, we have some reliable 
statistics, and they alone turned out, in 1887, 187,000 
tons of pig h'on and iron for manufacturing steel, the 
market value of which, at an average price of $18.00 per 
ton, amounted to $3,386,000. Besides, there were 151 ,500 
tons of net product of the rolling mill and steel works last 
year, the value of which, in varving degrees of work and 
finish, could not be estimated, nor can the output of the 
other lines of manufactures in iron be stated with any 
accuracy. But, when, to seven blast furnaces, five rolling 
mills and steel works, are to be added the man}^ foundries 
and forges — all working in the rough material — and the 
numerous manufactures in iron, of varving degrees of 
moderate and high cost, of every description, including an 
enormous output in ))arbed and other wires, an idea, at 
least, may be formed of the great value of the annual trade. 

It is but reasonable, that the iron industries should have 
great prosperity at St. Louis from their accessi])ility to ores, 
fuel and every adjunct necessary to the lousiness, and 
should occupy a very chief position in the manufacture of 
iron and steel products, in comparison with other localities. 



40 



ST. LOUTS OF TO-DAY. 




Fir,(;iU.M CONtlUIUJATIONA!, CmiliCIf. 



ST, LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 41 

CHAPTER VI. 

ST. LOUIS AN AMEKICAN CITY. 



"Nature's^ vast ever-actiug eneruy 
lu will, ill deed, impulse All to All." 



A'. T. CoU'rid(jf. 



There i,s an outside impression prevalent, that, as St. 
Louis was at one period altogether French, there nnist 
yet remain, if not a large element of that nationality, at 
least well defined proofs in society and business walks of 
its former existence. Neither opinion, however, is cor- 
rect. . At the period of the "Cession," or transfer of the 
country to the United States' authorities, in 1804 — under 
the Treaty of Purchase of the Territory of Louisiana, — 
the entire population numbered only 925 souls, of 
which number all were French, save a few Spaniards, 
Americans and slaves of African descent. But, within the 
succeeding twenty vears, the American emiorants out- 
numbered the original population; and in 1823, (when 
the first City Government was established), the population 
amounted to nearly five thousand souls. A few French 
immigrants continued to arrive after the "cession,"' dur- 
ing the wars of the first Napoleon, and succeeding the 
Revolution in France, Avhich dethroned King Charles X, 
in 1830. There were men of large wealth, and many of 
culture and refinement, of both sexes, amongst the French 
resident population, Avho, for many years, continued to be 
amongst the leaders in society, business and public affairs ; 
they were always foremost in the Fur-trade ; took a lead- 
ing part with Americans in merchandising and banking: 
.and in mining and manufacturing, as well. The oldest of 



J:2 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

the original French inhabitants passed away forty 3'ears- 
ago;* bnt numerous descendants remain, and are promi- 
nent in society, business and professional life. By inter- 
marriage outside, their nationality was lost, and now there 
are very few citizens of purely French blood remaining, 
whilst in business or society circles, the French lano-uasre is 
rarely ever spoken. The French ladies were distinguished 
for elegance in dress and refinement of manners. 

Of foreign immigrants, the Germans were the most nu- 
merous, and the Irish next, the latter speedily l)lending with 
Americans. There were not a few English and Scotch, 
and some Italians, Init even the latter show few character- 
istics of their race, with the exception of recent immi- 
grants. 

In the years 1849-50 and 51, thirty-four thousand Ger- 
mans immigrated to St. Louis, one-third of whom settled 
outside of this city. The impulse began with the Eevo- 
lution in that country, in the year 1848, Many brought 
snudl fortunes in money and means, and were generally an 
excellent class ; some Avere persons of note and distinction 
in their native country, a part of whom acquired celeb- 
rity in a few years in our country, as soldiers, statesmen, 
etc., amongst whom Avere Siegel, Osterhaus, Hecker,. 
Flad, Shurz and others. 

The immigration of Germans to St. Louis continued 
freely up to 1856, and has lasted to the present time, but 
in comparatively snudl numbers. Still this city has not 
been ''(irennanized," f as some have supposed at the East. 
The German population has ever been orderly and law- 

*XoTE— Pierre Chouteau, Sen., who died in 1849, aged 91 years. 

t Note.— Not that it is presumed there is any thing worse in Germans than is 
found in other people, but that Americans dislike all foreign peculiarities, whether 
of German, English, or other peoples, and prefer the American type of men, accom- 
panied with its " Yankee " enterprise and push. It would not hurt, but help the 
Germans of St. Louis were they to follow American ideas and methods more 
than they do. But, as regards national prejudices and preferences, where can 
be found greater admirers of German Soldiers, Scholars, Scientists, Philoso- 



8T. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 43 

:il)i(ling; in general they are moral, and the religious ele- 
ment is considerable; their churches are' usually large, 
after European models, and have great bells and organs, 
most have their parochial schools. The German element 
has instituted many social, lienevolent, musical and artistic 
societies. In music they rank high; a numl)er of prima 
donnas, and performers on instruments, have gone forth 
from these societies, and taken rank amongst the first sin- 
gers and musicians of America and Europe ; and besides, 
there are some artists of ability in painting and sculpture. 

A large percentage of the Germans, and German- 
Americans, are of the best people in intelligence, refine- 
ment and morality; they are found in ever}' avocation, in- 
cluding merchants, manufacturers and bankers, and other 
departments of useful and professional life. A marked 
degree of intelligence and culture is evidenced among the 
German population not only by a number of daily, 
weekly and other publications in their language, but 
in their social and family relations. They always readily 
adapted themselves to American ideas in dress and other- 
wise, and eagerly sought to learn the English language^ 
and to accpiire a knowledge of our laws. 

The president of the public schools jn his last annual 
report (issued Nov., 1888), referring to the elimination of 
the German language from the district schools of this city, 
in January 1888, says: "The unselfish devotion of our fel- 
low citizens of German ancestry to our public school sys- 
tem was signally illustrated in that the schools suffered no 
perceptible loss of attendance in any part of the city, and 
the most urgent demands for new school accommodations 
continued from what were known as distinctively German 
districts." 



phers, Artists, and composers of the Divine Art of Music, than among cultured 
Americans ? and do not Americans heartily unite with the people of every land, in 
admiration of that noble specimen of ripe manliood presented in the character' 
of the late Emperor Frederick ? — Author. 



44 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



It can justly be said, that the Germans and German- 
Americans are not surpassed by any, nor equaled by but 
fe^v other people in those social ministrations by which 
life is humanized and softened.* 

The blending of Germans into the one predominating 
nationality, by intermarriage, is of constant occurrence. 
In line, St. Louis is as distinctly American as most of the 
large cities of the United States, and, in the nativity of its 
people, more so than either Chicago or Cincinnati. 

*XoTE. — The author on his paternal side, derives his lineaj?e and name from a 
German, born and reared in the Upper Rhine Country, Germany, and immigrated to 
the Caroliuas via Charleston, (within ten j-ears succeeding the arrival of that dis- 
tinguished man, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, the earliest missionary to the German 
Uutiieran colonists in America, about 1740) ; and on his maternal side from E^nglish 
"Quakers," who came part of Peun's colony to Philadelphia, in 1690, and, although 
.an American of Americans he speaks in praise of the Germans and German-Ameri- 
cans of St. Louis because they deserve to be commended, and the German race in 
general, as well. — Author. 




VIEW AT FOURTH AND PINE STKEETS. 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



45 



CHAPTER VII. 

SAINT LOUIS' ABLE AND ACTIVE MEN. 



"Be strons therefore, aud 
Show thyself a mau." — Sacred Writ. 



Men of marked ability were always found in all profes- 
:sions and pursuits at St. Louis ; they Avere drawn hither as 
to a fitting field of action, and once upon it, remained. 
In business pursuits, men of rare judgment and energy, 
largely endowed with brain and will power, haye neyer 
been wanting, nor eyer so numerous as now ; they would 
be so considered in any community. Since examples of 
the abler always go downward to the weaker, it is obyious 
that the influence of these men of push and power is 
wideh' felt in the community. 

The stale accusation that St. Louis men haye eyer 
'been slow and timid to enter upon plans of deyelopment 
and improyement, which would benefit themselyes and 
their city, and that they discouraged and balked enterprise, 
deseryes review to find its truth or inaccuracy. The 
history of this city disproves that assertion, if frequency 
of splendid action, followed by great benefits to themselves 
and fellow-citizens be proof of pluck, public spirit and 
enterprise. 

Beginning with the fur-traders (earliest at the town of 
,St. Louis), there were men of more than mediocre ability 
possessed of fair education, large intrepidity and courage. 
They encountered the dangers of the wilderness, whose 
only inhabitants were wild animals and wilder men. To 
Teach the Pacific coast they traversed the pathless plains, 
3 



46 



ST. LOUTS or TO-DAY. 



scaled the hills, crossed the Rock}^ Mountains, planted two- 
trading posts on Columbia river, as earlj' as 1808, and. 
preceded Astor in the establishment of the fur-trade oui 
that coast ! 

When the Spanish-French dominatit)n ended, the busi- 
ness men of St. Louis became voluntary and able aids of 
the National government in controlling the Indian tribes,., 
with whom these pioneers held constant business relations.- 
At this period, talented Americans joined the French in 
prosecuting the valuable and lucrative trade in furs, and in 
opening the way to the settlement and civilization of the 
interior country. 

St. Louis men surveyed the ^' Santa Fe trail " amidst 
the hunting grounds of the savage Kiowa and Comanche ; 
and were the earliest to send an annual expedition to Ne^v' 
Mexico from the eastward for the purpose of trade. 

St. Louis men promoted the settlement of all the 
territory contiguous to the Missouri and Mississippi rivers ; 
they filled those streams with steamboats, and established 
regular lines to the Yellowstone, and from St. Paul to New 
Orleans ! 

A St. Louis man* in Congress, was the father of the 
Pre-emption Land Act, which enabled the poor emigrant 
to select his home and hold it, previous to the survey of 
the public lands. That law brought untold benefits to 
millions of the pioneers and their families, and settled the 
West in one-half the time ! 

St. Louis men were not behind in city improvements ; 
water-works were early constructed^ and enlarged as 
required, until thirty million gallons are now used daily; 
and works are under construction for an additional water- 
supply, equal to the demand of the next half-century, the 
cost of which is provided for, without contracting any 
additional loan or any debt therefor ! 



*NOTF.— Thomas H. Bentou, U. S. f^enatOT.— Author:. 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 47 

Within a few months after the earliest flash of tlie ek^c- 
tric telegraph, in 1844, a telegraph line was denianded and 
built to St. Louis! 

In 1849 and 1850, Saint Louis endured two plagues at 
one time. Asiatic cholera, which alone destroyed sevea 
thousand lives, and the "Great Fire," which consumed 
three or four millions of property ; the city survived these 
calamities, and recovered Avithout aid from abroad ! 

Immediately after these two great disasters, St. Louis 
men commenced to build the Jirst great railroad to the 
Pacific, and another to the Atlantic. Then it was that 
Senator Benton made his great speech on behalf of these 
pioneer railroads ; and, as if it were only necessary to 
remind St. Louis men of the great works to be undertaken 
and completed, he said — pointing towards the East, and 
then to the West — "hither is the Orient, and thither is the 
Occident!" 

St. Louis built furnaces, mills, foundries, factories, 
and great store houses ; her commerce filled the rivers, and 
their tributaries ; and her customers came from every 
stream and valley ! 

St.' Louis endured the shock of the Civil War upon her 
commercial and manufacturing foundations, and stood the 
loss of her southern trade — involving a hundred millions 
annually of reciprocal trade — with the additional loss of 
millions of credit debts never paid, and yet survived, and 
flourished ! 

St. Louis men planned, engineered and built the titanic 
Bridge and Tunnel, the former the world's wonder, less 
than a score years ago, and they are about to build, and 
complete within thirty months, another similar Great 
Bridge, spanning the Mississippi — having terminal facilities 
of the highest utilit}^ — all which, (by the enterprise of St. 
Louis men) its great and growing commerce demands for 
profitable use even to-day. 



48 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

A St. Louis man constructed the "Jetty" system at the 
mouth of the Great Eiver, and deepened the channel from 
eight feet to thirty feet to the Sea, forever ! 

Thirty years ago St. Louis estal)lished street railways ; 
built great grain elevators as required ; founded some of 
the largest manufacturing establishments in the United 
States, and carried trade and commerce into more than 
two-thirds of all the States and territories, and to numerous 
foreign countries, as well! 

Now, when the increased railroad traffic, and enlarged 
l)usiness of the city require it, St. Louis men vigorously 
undertake the work of another Great Steel Bridge — span- 
ning the Mississippi ! 

St. Louis men have established the most successful 
Agricultural and Mechanical Annual Fair of any country, 
and an annual Exposition of the Fine Arts, and grand 
entertainments in Music, all which have cost several mil- 
lion of dollars, and are visited annually by a half million 
people from the surrounding and distant States and terri- 
tories ! 

St. Louis men have reared, and built on a solid found- 
ation one of the first and most promising cities of Amer- 
ica — done from increased value of their holdings, and the 
fruit of their enterprise and business, and not with bor- 
rowed capital ! 

The merchants, manufacturers, bankers, and business 
men at large of St. Louis, have always been pre-eminent 
in "tact, push and principle;" and are now employing 
jpush in excess of their predecessors, whilst carrying for- 
ward all the great interests of this city with such energy 
and ability as is not overmatched elsewhere ! 

Not only in material matters, but in education, and all 
the liberal and refined arts, St. Louis men have been active 
and munificent in the past, as at the present ; in evidence 
one instance only need be named : The magnificent endow- 



8T. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 49* 



ment, a generation since, of Washington University, one 
man alone giving a quarter million dollars in money, besides 
valuable real estate ; but, there have been numerous other 
endowments of educational, art, benevolent, charitable and 
religious institutions. Names are inappropriate here, but 
the sentiment and action have ever been broad in the com- 
munity, since sordidness is not a characteristic of Saint 
Louis men ! 

Yet, it is not to be considered that all the able and 
active men of St. Louis have departed (few ever emigrate, 
and depart only with end of life), but it possesses to-day a 
host of men the equals of their predecessors, and who, 
whilst emulating the noble examples left them, are impelled 
by the vital energy of the present day — seen on every side 
— and are living to excel, both in action and skill, the 
great men who preceeded them. But, the aforegoing are 
given as specimens only of the works of the able and active 
men of Saint Louis. 

In fine, it should no longer be said that Saint Louis men 
are deficient in enterprise and activity, since their will and 
abilitv to do is as lars^e as their great field of action. 



THE NOBLE WOMEN OF ST. LOUIS. 



"0 fairest of creation, last and best 
Of all God's works, creature in whom excelled 
Whatever came to sight, or thought be formed. 
Holy, divine, good, amiable, or sweet." — Milton. 



Having written upon the men of St. Louis, its noble 
women may not be passed in silence. It would be invidi- 
ous to mention names in a work of this description, but it 
Avill sufiice to say, that not a few women born and reared at 



50 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

this city, and others from abroad who have, made it their 
home — gifted for womanly worth — have gained a graceful 
distinction. Some possessed of wealth have founded 
Tienevolent and charita])le institutions ; whilst others, 
having the riches of "faith, hope and charity," have given 
of these in abundant works ; others still, endowed Avith 
talent and genius, have attested their gifts in literature, 
music and art ; in all which some have acquired well merited 
celeln-ity. In authorship alone, in almost every department 
of thought and sphere of observation, this city has brought 
out in half a century, more than five hundred writers, a 
large numlier of whom were and are women. 

From the begining of the establishment of the national 
ownership of the territory of "Upper Louisiana," (of 
Avhich Missouri formed a part), and especially from the 
date of the founding of Jefferson Barracks, near this city, 
and its occupation by a coiys de reserve of the United 
States Army, the eit}' of St. Louis has given, from the 
ranks of her fair and accomplished women, her daughters 
in marriage to officers stationed at the Post, amongst whom 
were some of the ablest and most distinguished soldiers of 
the Mexican and civil wars. 

In fine, it may be said, that in all that makes woman 
the peer of man in activity and usefulness, and his superior 
in purity and worth, in beauty and refinement, the women of 
St. Louis have not been, nor are they excelled b}- their 
sisters of other places. 



The City of St. Louis of To-Day. 



PART SKCOND. 



CHAPTER I. 

THE MUNICIPALITY; ITS GOVERNMENT. 



'Oh! it is oxcflleiit 

To have a ijiaut's streuiith." — Shakcsptuo-i 



@|^|gjHE "Scheme and Charter," .setting forth the or- 
CMr^ ganic rights and privileges of the city govern- 
%^f^ ment, its legishitive construction and powers, and 
limiting its power of taxation, was prepared by 
thirteen freeholders who were elected by the people for 
.that purpose under an act of the State Legislature. The 
^City is governed by two legislative bodies chosen by the 
people one of them is known as the "Council," and the 
■.other as the "House of Delegates." The latter is called 
the Lower House, one member being chosen from each city 
ward ; and the former body, the Upper House, and is com- 
prised of thirteen members, chosen from the city at large 
-on a general ticket. 

51 



52 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



The Executive Department of the City. Government, 
consists of the Mayor, OtHcers and Board, who are elected 
for a term of four years. The department consists of the 
Mayor, Comptroller, Treasurer, Auditor, Register, Collec- 
tor, Marshal, President of the Board of Assessors, Coro- 
ner, Sheriff, Recorder of Deeds, President of the Board 
of Public Improvements, President of the Council (who is 
Acting Mayor, in the absence of the Mayor), and Inspec- 
tor of Weights and Measures, all of whom are elected by the- 
people. In addition to these officials there are the ajjpoin- 
five officers and boards having charge of the streets, water- 
supply, wharves and harbors, public parks, public build- 
ings, inspection of boilers, law department, etc. The 
Health Department is presided over by a Commissioner 
and Board. The heads of the Fire Department are 
appointed l)y the Mayor, by and with, the advice and con- 
sent of the Council. The Police Board is appointed by 
the Governor of the State, and the Mayor is exrofficio Pres-^ 
ident. 




GHAXD AVKXUK rUKSUY.XKUIAX CIIUllGII.. 



ST. LOUIS OF TOI>AY. 



5a 



EIvKCT^IVK OKKICBRS 



CITY OF ST. LOUIS. 



FROM APRIL 188&, TO APRIL 1889. 



Mayor, 

Comptroller, 
Treasurer, .... 
Auditor, .... 
Register, .... 
Collector, .... 
Mars] I all, . . . . 

iSupt. Weights and 

Measures, 

Pres. Board of As- 
sessors, 

Pres. Board Puh. 

Improvements, 

Pres. of the Council, 

Coroner, ..... 



David R. Francis, 
Robert A. Campbell, 
Fred. F. Espenschied, 
A. J. Smith, 
Daniel O'C. Tracy, 
H. Clay Sexton, 
Martin Neiser, 

Andrew Haley, 
John J. O'Brien, 



Henry Flad, 

Geo. ay. Allen, 
Samu'l K. Frazer. 



54 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE BONDED DEBT, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOH THE 
YEAK ENDING APKIL {», l.ss>s. 



THE BONDED DEBT OF THE CITY OK ST. LOUIS. THE DEBT IS CON- 
TUOLLED WnillN LIMITS FIXED BY THE CHAUTEH. 

A statement of the bonded indebtedness and general 
financial condition of the City, is made up at the close of 
«ach fiscal year, the 9th of April. On the 9th of April, 
1887, the city's bonded debt was:$22,l()5,000. A reduc- 
tion of the debt was made during that year of $821,000 by 
payment and cancellation of maturing bonds. 

On the 9th of April, 1888, the Bonded Indebtedness 
of the city was $22,045,000, haYing been reduced $()0,000 
by the Sinking Fund during the fiscal year. The debt 
bears interest, as follows: 

$ (100,000 at 7 per ceut. per iimiuiu. 

14-,0(;4,000 at (I " " " " 

1,049,000 at 5 " " " " 

3,481,900 at 4 " " " " 

2,850,100 at3.6r>" " " " 

During the fiscal year just ended, the.Mayor and Comp- 
troller were authorized to provide for the redemption of 
maturing bonds to the amount of $4,529,000 by the sale 
of renewal bonds, at a rate of interest not to exceed four 
per cent, per annum; of that sum all bore interest at 
the rjite of six per cent, except $122,000, which was at 7 
iind 8 per cent., the Avhole requiring an appropriation of 
$273,210 for annual interest thereon. The renewal bonds 
were readily sold, and bear interest as follows, viz: 
2,850,100, bearing interest at 3.65 per cent, at par; 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



55 



$1,559,000, bearing' interest at 4 per cent., and at a 
premium of $17.80 for each bond of $1,000; $60,000, 
bearing 4 per cent, interest, (fo sinking fund), at par; 
$59,900 not sold, but $27,750.20 of that sum was absorbed 
by the premium gained in the sale of the 4 per cent, bonds 
mentioned. 




viKW IX isKXTox i>ai;k. 



The sum recjuired to pa}^ annual interest on these 

enewed bonds of $170,073.33, is a yearly saving to the 

city of $103,136.67, or for the twenty year term of the 

bonds, the large sum of two million sixty-two thousand, 

seven hundred and thirty-three and ,^',|, dollars. 

The bonded del)t of the cit}' cannot be increased over 
tJte limit provided for in the City's Charter. The credit 
of St. Louis is second to none in the United States. If 
securities were exempt from taxation at this city, as 
similar securities are in some other cities, where issued, it 



5«> 8T. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

is presumed that the renewal bonds mentioned could have 
been placed at 3 per cent, interest per annum. 

There will mature during the fiscal year, ending April,. 
1889, the sum of $2,038,000 of the city's bonded indebt- 
edness, which the Mayor and Comptroller are authorized to- 
renew, for a term of years, whose length is left to their 
discretion ; but it is under consideration to place the limit 
at thirty years, instead of twenty, as in the case of last 
year's renewals, in order to spread the period of the 
maturiety of renewed bonds. 

The city has no "floating" indebtedness, nor can it 
make any debt which cannot be paid during any fiscal 
twelve months. The Mayor, Comptroller and Treasurer of 
the city, in 1887, so placed the current municipal deposits 
as to be allowed interest thereon on the daily surplus at 
the rate of 3^, per cent, per annum, which is greater 
than has heretofore been obtained, 

THE FINANCES. 

The finances of the city are in a highly satisfactory 

condition. The total revenue collected during the past 

year, and the sources whence it Avas derived, was as. 

follows ; 

Interest aud public debt revemie $1,491,271 91 

Muuicipal revenue 3,7()9,3(i7 19 

Water Works revenue 1,531,03(1 12 

Harbor fund 98,190 52 

Total $(;, 890,405 74 

The following amounts, belonging to their respective 
funds, were the unappropriated balance in the treasury 
at the beginning of the fiscal year. 

Interest aud public debt revenue $254,0(!0 92 

Muuicipal revenue 105,777 13 

Water Works reveuue 700,091 83 

Harbor fund 20,714 38 

Total $1,212,050 20 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 57 

This sum exceeded the unappropriated balances in the 
treasury at the beginning of the fiscal year, 1880-87, by 
$338,760.23, and that was far greater than that of the 
previous year. The estimated revenue from all sources 
for the fiscal year of 1888-89 is $6,970,501.47, or about 
$80,000 greater than that of 1887-88. The assessment of 
the revenue for 1888, is $224,740,470 against $216,917,720 
for 1887, and $214,427,670 for 1886, showing a very 
satisfactory increase each year. This increase, together 
with the reduction of the rate of interest on the bonded 
debt, enabled the city to reduce the rate of taxation for 
1888, from $2.50 to $2.30 on the $100.00, which includes 
State tax of four mills. 

AUDITOR. 
The Receipts and Expenditures of the city government 
durin'g the fiscal year are stated in detail in the Auditor's 
report. The cash balance in the Treasury on April 12, 
1887 was $1,422,037.64. The receipts into the treasury 
during the year were $9,873,648.39. The expenditures 
during the year (including unpaid warrants from fiscal 
jears 1886-87 and 1887-88) were $10,514,143.44, leav- 
ing the Cash Balance in the treasury on April 9, 1888, 
$781,542.59. 

TREASURER. 

The above figures are also contained in the Treasurer's 
report. The Treasurer asks that the force employed in 
his office be increased to meet the increased business 
appertaining thereto. 

COLLECTOR. 

The total collections for State, City and Schools were 
'^6,911,003.27, of which, after deducting expenses of 
•collection, there was paid into the State Treasury the sum 
of $1,066,884.39; into the Public School Treasury, .$85 3,- 
386.79; and into the City Treasury, $4,898,650.98. 



58 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



CHAPTER III. 



HOAKD OF PUBLIC IMPKOVEMP^XTS. 

The Expenses of the Board of Public Improvements 
were $23,823.65. The number of special tax bills issued 
was 3,874, covering work the cost of which was $366,247.- 
01. The contracts awarded to public work involved an es- 
timated expenditure of $1,687,938.27. 

STREET PAVING.* 
Up to April 1, 1888, the number of miles of Paved 
Streets were as follows, viz: 

Miles. 

Of Macadam-stoiie pavinii 27(J.77 

" Limestone Blocks " 1.07 

" Granite " " 33.25 

" Asphaltiira " " 0.09 

" Asphaltuiu Pavement (Monolithic, or Concrete base) 3.8() 

" Telford Pavement 9.49 

<' Wood-Nicholson (old system) 0.39 

" Wooden Blocks (ui concrete base 2.72 

Len.sth of Streets. Total IMilesf 327. f;4 

OF ALLEYS. 

Paved with Limestone Blocks chiefly, and some Granite 
Blocks. Length of Alleys. Total Miles 73.14 

The Street Commissioner states that for the year end- 

*NOTE.— The municipal law requires the owner of real estate to pay an assess- 
ment of not over twenty-five per c.nt on the tax levy for the current year (on a 
specified lot) of the cost of construction in paving a new street, or the reconstruc- 
tion of an old one ; the remainder is paid out of the city treasury from the special 
fund appropriated annually for BtieetB.—Attthor. 

fNoTE. — The improvement of streets during the yea ending April, 1S8S, was less 
than the preceding year in consequence of the omission to make timely appropria- 
tion for that purpose the previous year; but, that did not happen again, and the re- 
por. of the year ending April, 1889, will show a large increase both in construction 
and reconstruction. Up to December 10, 1888, the increase in street paving and re- 
paiiing was as follows: In Granite Block, 6 10-100 miles, in Wooden Block, 2 55-100 
miles, and in other descriptions, 89(i5-I00 miles, making a total increase in eight 
months, from end of city's year, April, 1888, of forty-eight and one-half miles. 
The entire cost of grading all new streets is paid out of the City Treasury. —Antlior. 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 59 

ing April 9, 1888, the city expended in the construction 
of new streets and the reconstruction of old ones, exceed- 
ing one million one hundred thousand ($1,100,000) dol- 
lars. 

COMPARISONS— SHOWING THE GROWTH OF THE CITY. 

In 1861 the aggregate length of the Public and District 
Sewers was 31 52-100 Miles; in 1871, 117 1(3-100 Miles; 
in 1881, 202 66-100 Miles; in 1888, 270 68-100 Miles. 

The Cost of the Sewers up to 1861 was almost $800,000 ; 
in 1871 slightly over three million; in 1881 tive and a half 
million; and in 1888 nearly seven million dollars. 

PUBLIC AND DISTRICT SEWERS 

completed April 1, 1888, were two hundred and seventy 
68-100 miles in length ; and built at an aggregated cost 
since ihe city began to build sewers of six million, six 
hundred and sixty-five dollars. The Mill-Creek Sewer is 
the largest server in the woiid.* Its dimensions are 15x20 
feet for 16,389 feet of its length, and 15x18 feet for 
3,199 feet length, and has a total length of nearly four 
miles. It was constructed at a cost of $1,387,030.73, or 
plus $70.00 per lineal foot, equal to three hundred and 
seventy thousand dollars per mile ! The Mill-Creek Sewer 
receives the sewerage and storm-water, of an area com- 
prising twelve thousand three hundred acres. The mate- 
rials of this mammoth sewer are stone and brick. It dis- 
charges into the Mississippi at foot of La Salle Street. 

* Note. —The Commissioner of I'ublic Improvements so informed tlie Autlior. 



60 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



CHAPTER IV 



^^' A T K K S U P P L Y. 

The City's Water Supply althoiigli ample is being 
largely increased, and the work under progress of con- 
struction includes a Conduit of Seven Miles in length 
iind a diameter of nine feei. It is expected to be com- 
pleted in 1893, and will furnish an adecjuate supply of 
water for one million population. The cost of this 
large work will be met by annual appropriations from the 
city's revenues as the work progresses, and when finished 
no (Jeht will have been incurred for the work, which had 
not been i)rovidcd for in advance. 

There was an unappropriated balance in Water Works 
Revenues at the beginning of the present fiscal year 
(April, 1888), of $766,091.88, enabling the pushing of the 
work during the present year, and the annual surplus 
from (water rents) revenue will be ample for steady con- 
tinuance. The increased supply of water will come from 
the Mississippi river at the "Chain of Rocks," ten miles 
north of Market street. Forty acres of ground at that 
point, and the right of way (the seven miles) has been 
purchased : excepting a small part now under condemna- 
tion and assessment of its valuation. 

The average daiJi/ consumption of water for the last 
regular year was nearly tJiirty and one-half niillion gal- 
lons, or nearl}' five hundred thousand gallons more than 
the daily use during the preceding year. The Receipts of 
the Department for the last fiscal year w^ere $919,975.18 
in Avater rents. 

In 1871, the daily water supply was twelve and a half 
million gallons, which in seventeen years has increased to 
two and one-half times that amount. 



NEW WATER WORKS. 



69 



The Water Bond.s of 
000, bearing interest 
at six per cent, per 
annum. 

In 1901, the Reve- 
nue on Water Rates 
will enable a reduction 
on the principal of the 
Bonds, and, by grad- 
ual payment during 
the succeeding twelve 
years, it is expected 
that all will be liqui- 
dated ; and* in that 
year, 1913, it is esti- 
mated that there will 
be a surplus after full 
payment. This result 
will be accomplished 
out of the annual 
water - rate revenue, 
but includes the cur- 
rent annual interest 
on the bonds, and all 
expenditures for new 
pipes and distributing 
mains, besides the an- 
nual sums required in 
operating the Water 
System. 

The New 
Works are 
to have a 
capacity of 
fifty mil- 
4 



this city 






rilK NEW WATKll 



are in amount $5,200,- 
lion gallons per day, 
with provision made 
in the plant so that the 
siq)ply may be in- 
creased ultimately to 
one hundred million, 
gallons per day. 

The location of 
the New Water Works, 
at "Chain of Rocks" 
possesses the follow- 
ing advantages : that 
it will secure for all 
time to come wafer not' 
contaminated hy sew- 
erage, as the in-take 
will be above all influ- 
ence of town drain- 
age, shore nuisances 
or washings incidental! 
to the suburbs of a 
city. 

The estimated cost 
of the extension to 
" Chain of Rocks " of 
a capacity of fifty 
million gallons per 
day, is $2,836,520, in- 
cluding river work, 
settling basins, filter 
beds, the- 
7 miles 
conduit 
TowKi:. and land 



70 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

damages. The aforegoing is condensed from the annual 
report of the Commissioner of Public Improvements to 
April 9, 1888. 

MILES OF ^yATER TIPE. 

The number of mikvs of water pipe laid and in service 
in the city is as follows, viz: 

Laid provious to October (itli, 1877 177 miles. 

Laid siiu-e and up to April 1, 1888 144 " 

Total April, 1888 321 " 

Pipes iu service April 1, 1888 314 " 

THK FIRE DEPAKTMEXT 

Is in the highest state of order and efficiency. There 
are thirty steam tire-engines — (an increase of tive over the 
previous year), tive chemical engines, twenty-seven hose 
carriages, eight hook-and-hulder apparatuses, fourteen 
"wagons, 185 horses, and 30,000 feet of hose. The force 
numbers 339 men and officers.* 

ASSESSMENT OF THE KEyEXlE. 

The Total Valuation of taxable property for the year 
1888 (in old and new limits), was $222,(>79,760, being an 
increase of $7,480,670 over the preceding year. 

BUILDING FOR TWO YEARS, ENDING APRIL 1, 1881). 

The sum expended for Building for the year ending 
April, 1888, was about eight million dollars, or one million 
in excess of the previous year. The year ending in April, 
1889, is expected to show a still larger increase; but it has 
been found that the sums reported are largely less than 
the actual investments. 



* XOTE. — Ou December 15, ISSS, two additional Steam Fire Engines, and their 
.adjuncts, were added to the Are extinguishing department. — Author. 



EtJilLDilNG PERMITS. 



71 



The building permits issued from the 9th of April to 
the 12th of December, 1888, amounted to $6,793,208. 




3BANK OF COMMERCE BUILDING. 



72 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



CHAPTER V. 

SAINT LOUIS: THE LATITUDE, TEMPERATURE, RAIN-FALL, 
TOPOGRAPHY, HEALTH.. 



"Yes, nature hei'e draws close to iruiu 
With leuieut eyes, 
Dissolves with teuder touch the ban 
Of griefs and sighs." 



The Latitude is 38 degrees 23 minutes Kortlr, Loiigi- 
tude 89 degrees 36 minutes West, the Mean Temperature 
57 degrees ; the Annual liain-faU is an average^ of forty- 
one inches ; the average number of clear days dturiiig the 
year is found to be 142 ; of partly cloudy weather 174, andl 
of entirely cloudy days 49. The Topography shows a vary- 
ing rise above the City "Directrix," (the level at top of the 
Levee of the Mississippi at the East front), of from thirty- 
five to two hundred feet, or more, at the west side of the city, 
distant seven miles. Numerous hills, elevated plateaux, and 
benches afford grand building sites. The environs of the 
city, and suburban country for more than ten miles west, 
north and south of the city, is a continuous succession of 
fine elevations unsurpassed for their beauty of natural scen- 
ery and grand building sites without number,, reached by 
rapid transit of several railway lines of numerouis daily 
trains. 

Very great extremes of cold or heat in Summer andl 
Winter are not experienced at Saint Louis. The mean tem- 
perature for 1887 was 57.50, Fahrenheit, and the normal, 
55.3 degrees. Number of days minimum below zero 5 ; 
maximum above 90 degrees 45 days. Total precipitation, 
35.30 inches, greatest rain-fall in any 24 haurs 2.32 inches. 



RATE OF MORTALITY. 73 



The mortality-rate is less than some other hirge cities, 
as >will be found by comparison. The annual mortality 
rate for the city of St. Louis for the last ten years is taken 
from the reports of the Health Commissioner, and is as 
follows : 

1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1888, 1884, 1885, 188(;, and 1887. 
18.2 18.1 18.9 22.07 19.0(J 20.4 19.9 18.7 20.« 20.67 

The progress in "sanitation" at St. Louis is steadily 
marked each succeeding year; and it will shortly become 
one of the cleanliest, as now among the healthiest cities of 
any country ; and for salubrity of situation on the west bank 
of the Mississippi is not surpassed, hy any city of the 
United States. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



AREAS OF CITY LIMITS AT DIFFERENT PERIODS. 

(Excluding the Kiver.) 

Acres. f q. J.'iles. 

Territory within Limits of 1839 477.25 0.75 

««, " " 1841 2,8()5.10 4.48 

♦' " " 1S55 8,923.25 13.94 

" " " 1870 11,504.75 17.98 

" «' " 187G. 39,276.25 61.37 

" " " 1888 same same 

DISTANCES. 

(Air Lin:'.') 

Miles. 

1. Length of River Front 19.15 

2. " Western City Limits 21.27 

3. " City from extreme North to South 17.00 

4. " " " ■" East to West 6.02 

ELEVATIONS. 

The City Directrix upon wMcli all elevations are based, 
is the top of a square flat stone, set level with the curb on 
the west side of the Wharf, between Walnut street and 



74 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY.. 



Market street — 0.00 (being the high water mark of the- 
year 1826). 

(Above the City Directrix.) 

Height of City Directrix above meau tide of the Gulf of Mexico, as- 

determined by the Mississippi Kiver Coinniissiou 412.71 feet 

Highest Stage of Kiver— Jau. 27, 1844 7.58 " 

Stage of Kiver— Juue 10, 1851 2.80 " 

" " — " 1.5th, 1858 3.30 " 

«« " — " 2(Jth, 1883 0.99 " 

(Below the City Directrix.) 

Lowest Stage of River December 21st, 18(!3 33.81 " 

Stage of River — December 27th,, 18G0 33.21 " 

Difference bet. higliest and lowest stage of river. 41.39 " 




VIEW IX TOWER GROVE PARK. 



STREET RAILWAYS. 75 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE STREET RAILROADS. 



The number of Chartered Companies is seventeen, 
operating twentj-one lines, and covering the city in all di- 
rections with more than one hundred and sixty miles of 
street railways, counting single tracks onl}^ but nearly all 
are double tracked. Four of these companies operate the 
Cable System, and several others are experimenting with 
electric power. Again, the project of Elevated City Rail- 
ways has been broached, and a strong effort is being made 
to obtain numicipal privileges which have hitherto been 
denied, partly in consccpience of the opposition of property 
owners oiT the proposed routes. 

More Street Railways, Electric or Cable, are demanded 
for the public convenience, and will b^ constructed at an 
early date. 

In December last, 1888, a company, composed chiefly 
of Chicago capitalists, purchased the property and fran- 
chises of three important street railway lines in this city. 
The three roads were consolidated under a single proprie- 
torship, or syndicate. The prices paid were favorable to 
the St. Louis companies, the late owners ; and, the new 
owners assumed all liabilities. Two were horse-car lines, 
and one cable power. The officials of the new company 
announced their intention, not only to extend the roads into 
new territory, but to apply cable or electric power upon 
all early in the ensuing spring season, of 1889. 

These purchases are signs of a rapidly growing convic- 
tion amongst watchful capitalists of other cities — both 
eastern and western — that St. Louis is a place of prime, 
but early to become of greater importance. At the pres- 
ent writing, (February, 1889), capitalists of Philadelphia 



7G ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

and Pittsburgh are standinaf in readiness to place large 
sums of money in elevated street railways, charters for 
which energetic projectors of this city are pushing in the 
councils of the municipal legislature. 

llie PasseiKjer Trajfic on the Street llaih'oads, in 1887, 
as reported by the different companies to the City Register, 
was as follows: Number of trips made 3,922,009; and the 
number of passengers carried was 52,054,242. The pas- 
senger trafHc for the year, endino- Decend>er 31, 1888, was 
as follows: The number of single trips made was 4,204, 
929 ; and the number of passengers conveyed, 55,043,930 : 
showing an increase of about 283,000 trips, and nearly 
3,000,000 passengers; or a gain of 5| per cent over the 
year 1887. 

It is expected, that 10 miles will be added to the length 
of the street railroads during 1889, and horse power be 
dispensed with on all the principal lines. 

STREET NUMBERING. 

Market Street and Laclede Avenue — running east and 
west — form the dividino^ line of all streets crossing them. 
North of this line are North Main, North Second, etc. 
South of this line is South Main. South Second, etc. The 
numl)ering of all houses fronting on the public streets is 
arranged as follows: the odd numbers apply to the north 
and west sides of the streets, and the even numbers to the 
east and south sides. 

The general rule is that 100 numbers shall represent 
each block going westwardly from the river front, and a like 
number for each block north or south from Market street 
and Laclede avenue. 

THE BUILDING MATERIAL OF ST. LOUIS— FOUND AT ITS DOORS. 

The City of St. Louis is built on limestone rock, upon 
the upper stratum of which is found a superior quality of 
red-brick clav of which all the brick used in building is 



BUILDING MATERIALS, 77 

made. The red shade of color i.s clear and brilliant. The 
.8t. Louis smooth pressed red brick are so much admired 
abroad that many places usinu them, notably the cities of 
St. Paul and Minneapolis, have constructed the fronts of 
their tine houses of brick imported from this city. 

The same clay is used in making l)rick of various forms 
for the embellishment of fronts of buildings and used with the 
brick of even shade of color. The cond)ination of forms and 
figures with the plain brick makes a most attractive front- 
age, as shown in the New Mercantile Li})rary Building, 
corner Sixth and Locust streets, the fronts of which present 
a very handsome effect. 

Building Sand is obtained for the cost of hauling. Lime 
is very cheap. Limestone Eock of tine quality is abun- 
dant and convenient at a low price per perch. Superior 
'quality of building material in Sand-stones, red and 
gray Gr^anite ; and Marbles in wdiite, black and variagated, 
.are to be obtained at no great distance from the city, in 
Missouri, in quanlity without limit. 

Fire Clay. — The deposits of this Clay are inexhaustible 
within and without the cit}' limits, and are equal to the best 
■clays of Europe, numerous factories are engaged in the man- 
ufacuie of fire-brick, drain-pipe, retorts, house-chimneys, 
■etc. Of drain pipe, the largest made by any works in the 
country is that of the Laclede Works of this city, being 
six and a half feet in diameter I 

The Missouri Granite is susceptible of a polish equal to 
fine steel; and is much used in house fronts, both rock 
faced jind polished. 

In side-walk paving, the "Granitoid" description, 
composed of fine chip-granite and cement, is considerably 
iused and makes a smooth and durable walk. 

In Lumber and Timber for building and manufacturing 
purposes the su])ply is most ample — in Avhite and yellow 
Pine, in Oak, Maple, Walnut, Sycamore, Poplar, and 
other varieties, at prices low as elsewhere with the excep- 
tions of hard woods, yellow pine, and poplar, which are 
lower than at other large western points, and are obtained 
from the almost inexhaustable forests of Missouri, Arkan- 
sas and Tennessee. 



78 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



CHAPTER VII. 

SOME OF THE BUILDINGS OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF ST. 

LOUIS. 



THE COUKT HOUSE. 
This imposing struclure cover.s an entire block of 
ground, bounded by Fourtli, Fifth, Chestnut and Market 
streets, and fronting on all; it was completed in 1862, at a 




total cost of i<ei'eii )nUUon dollars, not including the value 
of the plot. The Plan of the Building is in the form of a 



CITY HALL. 79' 



cross, the material used in the construction is Missourii 
gray granite, and it is fire-proof. The Central part is mod- 
eled after the Capital at Washington — a lofty Rotunda 
and Dome — having elaborate paintings in fresco of lead- 
ing historical events in American history, by a distin- 
guished Italian artist. An iron stairway leads to the 
Dome, from which a magnificent view of the Cit}', River 
and Aboriginal Mounds in Illinois may be obtained. 

This building accommodates, besides the City Civil 
Courts, the Recorder, Assessor, Collector, Sheriff, etc. 

THE CITY HALL 

Occupies very ample space, and fronts on Eleventh, Chest- 
nut and Market streets. It is three lofty stories in height,, 
and accommodates the Mayor, Comptroller, Treasurer, Au- 
ditor, etc. ; also the Street, Water, Fire and Health Depart- 
ments, and besides the legislative halls of the Council and 
House of Delegates. 

The City Hall, finished and first occupied fifteen years, 
since, is no longer suited to the enlarged needs of the 
Municipality. The authorities have at the present tinie- 
(Februar}', 1889), in earnest consideration, and are taking 
active steps in the direction of the construction of a New 
City Hall. Excepting a frontage on Twelfth street, be- 
tween Market and Chestnut streets, of 201 feet by 100 
feet depth, the city owns the valuable block of ground 
from Eleventh to Twelfth streets, and fronting on Chest- 
nut and Market streets. Should the Municipality purchase- 
the lot mentioned, and add it to the ground it now owns — 
in vicAV of building a new Hall upon it — the block would 
have a frontage of 201 feet on Twelfth, and 221 j4 feet on 
Eleventh, by 415 feet on both Chestnut and Market streets. 
The unusual width of the street on the west front, (Twelfth 
street, of 150 feet), and the proximity of Washington 
Square, add appreciably to the eligibility of the site for ;i 



^0 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



City Hall. A new structure would be erected on the west 
end of the block : and, in due time, the site of the present 
City Hall would l)e utilized for the extension of the new 
building, all to be adapted to the requirements of this rap- 
idly growing city for the next quarter or half of a century. 
With the sum of two hundred thousand dollars hereto- 
fore appropriated for a new City Hall, and lying in the 
treasury, together with suitable ground already paid for, 
it is quite probable, that the authorities will act soon in the 
direction of building a new fire-proof City Hall after the 
latest modern plans, and of suitable magnificence. * 

THE FOUR COURTS AND JAIL BUILDINGS 

Occupy the entire block of ground bounded by Eleventh 
Twelfth and Spruce streets, and Clark avenue. Facing 
the last is the elegant structure known as the Four 
Courts, built of cream colored stone, and modeled after 
the Palace of the Louvre at Paris, France. It has a 
frontage of 130 feet on Clark avenue by a depth of 75 
feet. The site is commanding; in construction it is 
admirably suited to its uses — namely the Criminal and 
Police Courts, etc. ; and was erected, in 1871, at a cost of 
nearlv one million dollars. 



* Note. — But, Washington Square is, in several valuable particulars, a much 
more eligible site for a City Hall, or building which should concentrate within its 
walls all the offices of the Municipality — one structure, grand for size, utility and 
beauty — whose usefulness and magnificence would be, at once the joy and pride 
of the people ! 

Practical reasons for preferring Washington Square, are plentiful: it is paid 
for, the area is very ample, and affords a rare central site, convenient to all street- 
car lines; the building ground is spacious enough for a wide margin on the four 
sides — of a rightangled parallelogram — for unobstructed light and air, away from 
dust and noise; besides, to form a fringe, which is essential for architectural effect 
in a great structure. 

Finally, the value of the city's property mentioned in connection with the site 
of the present City Hall, the money awaiting use, and a reasonable additional sum, 
would pay for a new City Hall. 

Lastly, and better still,, s*'// f/ie C()«/-< //oHse, add its large proceeds. Then, erect 
iin edifice designed for all the offices of the Municipality — administrative, executive 
Jind legislative — the whole — for convenience, centrality, economy and good sense. 

Author. 



UNITED STATES BUILDINGS. 811 

The Jjiil is situiited upon the southern portion of the- 
same Block, and is suitably adapted to its purposes,, 
including light, ventilation and sanitation. The "Morgue" 
fronts on Spruce street. 

THE OTHER BUILDINGS BELONGING TO, AND MAINTAINED BY 
THE MUNICIPALITY 

Are numerous, as the Blind and Insane Asylums, Women's- 
Hospital, Alms and Work Houses, House of Refuge,, 
etc., they are chiefly in the South Western portion of the 
city, and four miles from the Court House. 

THE UNITED STATES' BUILDINGS. 

First: The Magnificent Block of Buildings, covering 
the entire square between Eighth and Ninth streets, and 
frounting on Olive, with its rear on Locust street — is 
occupied by the Post office, Sub-Treasury, Internal Rev- 
enue, Courts, etc. The dimensions are 236 by 181 feet; 
there are four lofty stories al)ove the basement, and all sur- 
mounted by a graceful dome. The materials are granite,, 
marble and iron — completely fire proof; the granite is of 
Missouri red, and Maine gray varieties, — in about equal pro- 
portions. The cost approached the sum of six million dol- 
lars, including the block of ground. 

Second: The fine Granite — fire proof structure — 
(finished and occupied in 1859), S. E. corner of Olive and 
Third streets, was constructed by the United States Gov- 
ernment, at a cost of upward of a million dollars, and; 
used for all the Federal Offices and purposes of the Na- 
tional Government, until inadequate longer to accommodate- 
the increased and increasing needs for additional buildings.. 
At the present time, still more space is required for the' 
transaction of Government Official Business, and for which 
this building is now being enlarged and rebuilt from ample- 
congressional appropriations. 



THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



PART THIRD. 



CHAPTER I. 



THE POPULATION OF ST. LOUIS: ACTIVE AGENCIES OF ITS 

GROWTH. 



Ye were but little at tlie first, but mighty at the last." — Chai-Ies ^facl-ai/. 



@^1^J||^^ f'iiiiii^i"''iti^^i^ of the population of the city of 






QlJ^imi^ Saint Louis has been made since the national cen- 
sus of June, 1880, when the population was 350,561 
souls. Its growth in the present decade exceeds 
the previous experience, but an estimate of the present 
population is to be found only in knowledge and obser- 
vation. These afford satisfactory- data in estimating the 
number at the close of the year 1888, or eight and a half 
years from the period of the last census, and point to the 
conclusion that it is a half million souls. The grounds for 
this estimate are ample, patent to all observing and 
thinking citizens, and may be stated concisely, as follows : 
During the last decade, this city has witnessed extraordinar}' 
development of its rare resources of site and surroundings. 
-All the ready and latent energ}^ of citizens, both of older 

82 



ST, LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 83 



and A^ounger blood, have been aroused to intenser life and 
enero-y. Its industries have been enlaro-ed throuofh the 
constant increment of capital and commerce. Its wholesale 
and jobbing trades have realized greater expansion in solid 
growth. The suburban development has been very large, 
both in population and real estate improvements, while the 
urban has been most extensive and varied in buildino;s of 
every description. Ecsidences, large and small, stores and 
warehouses, colleges and churches, halls, machine shops 
and factories, the extension of the old, and opening of 
new streets, the construction of more and lengthened 
sewers, the largely increased consumption of water and 
gas, the building of new school houses required by the 
need of increased school service, the greatly increased 
number of workmen employed in private and municipal 
improvements, especially in the making of many miles of 
new si:reet pavements, and the reconstruction of old ones; 
and lastly, but not least, the increased throngs of men, 
women and children observed at every turn on the sidewalks, 
and crowding the street railways, to which many miles of 
new track have been added, while demands are constantly 
nuide for increase in the facilities of rapid transit. 

The new manufacturing plants, and the extension of the 
old ones — a process constantly going on — add yearly a 
large population to St. Louis from al)road, through the 
demand for skilled workmen, and in providing employment 
for an army of the youth of both sexes. A mild climate, 
exemption from epidemic diseases, cheap living, great 
advantages of primary, academic and collegiate education, 
the numerous schools in science, art, technical instruction, 
complete curriculum of education in all professions and 
pursuits, the public libraries, and numerous other 
attractions, are constantly filling this city with a population 
of the refined and cultured . Those ambitious of an education , 
the artisan and laborer seeking work and employment, and 



84 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

a countless class of new-comers, constantly make additions- 
to the number of the inhabitants in a swelling tide each 
season. 

The volume of the present population of 8t. Louis has 
reached that point of fullness, when, as has been observed 
in the growth of other cities, (remarkable for which were 
the cities of London, New York and Brooklyn), it will 
begin to take increase in a ratio disproportioned to its: 
previous experience ; and, it is apparent, that such an era 
of quickened growth has reached this city, whose increase 
in population in succeeding decades will be in accord- 
ance with the experience of those other very large com- 
munities. 



WHP]KE THE CENTRE OF POWER IS NOW FOUND IN THE 
UNITED STATES. 



But, we whom a gracious Providence liatla brotisilit 
To tliis briglit, ceutral spot of eartli — 

To live and labor, to plant our seed — than ought 
More fruitful, or replete with worth. 



That distinguished statesman, William H. Seward,, 
averred in a speech nuide before a Western audience nearly 
twenty years ago, that: "Power would not much longer 
linger on the narrow strip between the Atlantic and the 
slopes of the AUeghenies, but that the commanding field 
Avould be in the Upper Mississippi Valley, where men and 
institutions would speak and comminiicate their will to the 
Nation and the world!" 

The year 1889 witnesses the fulfilment of that predic- 
tion. Just one hundred years ago, the commonwealth of 
Virginia ratified her gift, by deed of conveyance to the 
United States, of the "Northwest Territory," which then 
did not contain one hundred Avhite persons, if we except 



POPULATION. 



the French settlements in the "Illinois country," opposite 
St. Louis. And five hundred French inhul)itants of that 
town constituted the whole remainder of the Caucasian race 
west of Pittsburgh. 

Of the 401 electoral votes cast for the chief magis- 
trate of the nation in 1888, only 164 belong to the original 
thirteen colonial states; and to the 237 votes which re- 
main, will shortly be added those of new states applying 
for admission into the Federal Union. 




VIEW IX FOIiEST PARK. 



86 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

CHAPTER II. 

THE SAINT LOUIS KEAL ESTATE EXCHANGE ASSOCIATION. 



The solid, steadfast ground, 
Our mother earth — so fair! 

Briugs fortli lier golden sheaves. 

Her certain task, nor leaves 
It long, but surely there 

She sheds her gifts around. 



Officers for Year 1888-89. 
President, Leon L. Hull; Vice-President, Charles F. 
Vogel; Board of Directors: Charles C. Crone, John T. 
Perc}'^, Charles H. Turner, James S. Farrar; * Secretary 
and Treasurer, Thomas F. Farrelly. 

The real estate business of this city is mainly in the 
hands of the members of the Real Estate Exchange, an 
organization which has grown from a small beginning, in 
1877, to be most important and useful. In its membership 
may be found the most prominent and influential real 
estate, loan and rental agents of Saint Louis. 

The advantages of the Association are numerous, both 
to the public and to the agents themselves. It provides 
a large exchange hall, where the agents may meet and dis- 
cuss matters relative to their business ; and for the holding 
of auction sales of property. It is expected that ere long 
the (legal or) "judicial" sales of real estate will be 
authorized by law to be held at the Exchange, instead of 
at the Court House doorsteps. The change would be most 
advantageous by increasing the number of competitive 
bidders. The Exchange keeps for public inspection, lists of 
stores, houses, rooms, flats, and other property for rent, lease 
or sale. The renter, buyer, and public generally are con- 



* Note.— Judge James S. Farrar, died Sep. 



REAL ESTATE EXCHANGE. 



87 



«tantly furnished with current information in matters of 
city real estate through the medium of The Beal Entate 
Bulletin^ a well conducted weekly paper. 

The high standing in community of the members of 
the Exchange, is a sufficient guarantee for fidelity to their 




RESIDENCE OF W. B. MANNY. 



trusts. The Board of Directors is composed of members 
chosen for their special activity. The advantages of the' 
Exchange are large and increasing. 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



ABSTRACTS OF TITLE TO THE REAL ESTATE OF ST. LOUIS.* 
The fii's^t and most important consideration when deal- 
ing in real estate is to secure a clear and unimpeachable 
title, in which respect investors in. St. Louis realty are 
especially safe. The "Concessions," or grants of land! 
and lots of ground, made during the French and Spanish 
ownerships, were duly made, and were executed in the })res- 
ence, and under the seal of the (Tovernor of "Ui)pcr 
Louisiana," and recorded in the "Livres Terriens." 
These were afterwards transferred, together with all the 
"Papers" and "Documents" of the "Archives," to the^ 
custody of the LTnited States, in 1804, and are 2)7-ese)-ved, 
together Avith duplicates — at the City Record Office^ 
(Saint Louis) — having been tran.scribed into other l)ooks 
of record. 

A description is given in the fifth chapter of this book 

of the "Livres Terriens," or Books of Record; and, the 
"Archives." 



*NOTE — The real estate investigator is referred to Chapters V aiul \'I mioii the- 
' Commons," and other French and Spanish " Concessions." — Author. 




COOK AVKNUK M. K. ('IlUIKll. 



REAL ESTATE ^'A1.X ATIONS . 89 



CHAPTER HI. 



KEVIEW OF THP: PKOPERTY interests of ST. LOUIS IN RE- 
CENT YEARS. TABLES OF VALUATIONS: OF REAL AND 
PERSONAL PROPERTY FOR TWENTY-FIVE YEARS, AND 
IN THE OLD AND NEW CITY LIMITS FOR NINE 
YEARS. VALUE OF BUILDING PERMITS FOR TEN 
YEARS. GROWTH IN VALUE OF REAL ESTATE. 
THE RECENT ADDITIONS IN PARKS, 
PLACES, BOUJLEVARDS, ETC. 



Unlike some of the cities and towns in the West, Saint 
liouis has not been given to wild specnlation in real estate. 
Prices have been nieasnred according to the valne when 
changing hands ; and it has, as a general rule, ever been 
safe to buy the real estate of this city, whether improved 
or unimproved. After the financial panic of 1873, St. Louis 
experienced a depression in the market value of its real 
■estate — in common with the whole land — but the property 
being held largely by strong owners, the decline was less 
than in any other large city. Few other cities of the 
United States present equal prospects, or are able to offer 
as ample assurances of substantial returns on capital 
invested in real estate. Besides, St. Louis for loans on 
property is one of the very best localities. 

This city is chieHy owned by its citizens, and in this 
respect differs from many other large cities. Out of a 
population of half a million souls there are over 55,000 
tax payers, which is indicative of the comfortiible position 
of the inhabitants at large.* 

It is of interest in this connection to note the following 
table, showing the assessed value of property for the last 

*NOTE— Careful imiuiry at the Tax OtTice elicited the information that for the 
year ending June 30, 1888, there were 55,563 tax bills paid, some of which were for 
•several owners' prop, rty paid through ngentH.—Aitthur. 



90 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



twenty-five years, betriiiuiiifr one year prior to the close- 
of the civil war. 

It is necessary to state, that in Saint Loui> it has never 
been the custom in the assessment of real estate — to make 
valuations y^;- outside ffferf, but to lean to the side of the 
tax payers, and make eacli \ akuition considerably less than 
the property w(juld Ijcar. 



ASSESSED AMOUNT OF 



KEAI. ESTATE 
PEHTY. * 



AXIJ rEI{SONAL I'HO- 



CITY OF ST. LOUIS. 



KATE OF TAXATION. 



1864 I $ 53,205,820 

1865 73,960,700 

1866 81,901,610 

1867 88,625,600 

1868 94,362,370 

1869 113,626,410 

1870 119,080,S00 

1871 123,833,950 

1872 129,235,180 

1873 149,144,400 

1874 141,041,486 

1875 131,141,020 

1876 132,7«5,450 

1877 148,012,750 

1878 140,976,540 

1879 136,071,670 

1880 1 35,824, 9S0 

1881 139,x97,470 

1882 161,679,250 

1883 163,479,060 

1884 178,596,650 

1885 \ 177,H57,240 

1886 187,291,540 

1887 184,815,560 

1888 195,578,249 



REAL & PERSONAL. 


Old LimitB. 


New Limits. 


$ 63,059,078 


2.60 




87,625,534 


2.7654 






105,24 5,2 ig 


3.00 






112,907,660 


2.95 






1]6,5«2,140 


2.85 






13s,523,4«0 


2.85 






147,969,660 








158,272,430 


2.80 






162,689,570 


2.78 






180,278,950 


2.76 






172,109,270 


2.my2 






166,999,(i60 


SAH/^ 






166,441,110 


3A2/^ 






181,345,560 


2.80 






172,X29,9S0 


2.60 


1.35 


163,S 13,920 


2.60 


1.35 


160,493,000 


2.60 


1.35 


167,364,230 


2.60 


1.35 


191,948,450 


2.58 


1.35 


192,563,640 


2.55 


1.30 


210,124,370 


2.55 


1.30 


207,910,350 


2.55 


1.30 


218,271,260 


2.55 


130 and 180 


217,142,320 


2.50 


130 aud 205 


227,169,979 


2.30 


170 f 


lud 220 



Note. — See Appendix: Article "A." — Author. 



VIEW IN LAFAYETTE PARK. 



91 




'92 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



THE VALUATIONS WITHIN THP: OLD AND NEW CITY LIMITS, 
FOR NINE YEARS, WERE AS FOLLOWS:* 



Year. 


Saint Louis. 


Old Limits. 


New Limits. 




Real Estate 1 


$122,752,440 
14(;,l(;2,0(i0 

126,205,320 

152, 165,210 

146,536,400 

28,809,580 

146,482,410 
15,139,180 

159,773,580 

28,684,600 

159,527,340 
27,292,990 

162,793,920 
29,059,560 

162,611,250 
30,082,110 

167,535,870 

28,885,540 


13,072,540 
14,330,940 

13,692,150 
15,199,020 

15,142,850 


1880 


Real and Personal 


1881 


Real Estate 

Real aud Personal 




Real Estate 


1882 


Personal 


1,459,620 
15,0S5,3 90 




Real Estate 


1883 


Personal 


1,420,S20 




Real instate 


18,823,070 
1,539,010 

18,561,370 
1,887,010 


1884 


Personal 




Real Estate 


1885 


Personal 




Real Estate 


22,330,990 
1,920,160 


1886 


Personal 




Real Estate 


22,204,310 


1887 


Personal 


2,244,(150 




Real Estate 


26,1(12,240 


1888 


Personal 


2,30(1,190 









A steady increase in real estate valuations continued 
up to the year 1874, when a decline set in occasioned by 
the tinancial depression of that year throughout the nation, 
and which lasted several years from the same cause. Also 
in 1878, when a general decline in real estate values was 
experienced throughout the country as the result of 
preparation for the resumption of coin payment, Jan. 1, 
1879, property at St. Louis fell under a temporary depres- 
sion in price. But, since then, there has been a steady 
increase in \alue. Each year has witnessed a growing 
demand both for desirable unimproved ground and 
improved property. New districts have been platted into 
lots, streets opened and extended, followed by sewerage 



* Note.— The reader is referred to the note at foot of page Hi.— Author. 



STEADY GROWTH IN VALUE. 



93 



and general improvements. Of late, the demand has been 
large for desirable residence plots, and single lots. West 
of Grand Avenue, ground which seven years ago was sold 
for at from ten to twenty dollars per front foot, now brings 
from seventy to one hundred and ten dollars per front foot. 
"Within the business centres, and beyond, as well, prices 
have largely increased, and legitimately too; notably on 
special streets. Most of the purchases, made within the 
few past years in business localities, were for investment, 
and the holders are not desirous to give up property that 
has a still greater future. 

It will be noticed from the foregoing table of the 
annual assessment of the real and personal property, that 
there has been a ijrowth of sixty million dollars within 




FOUR COURTS. 

the ten A'ears, from 1878 to 1888. A much greater pro- 
portionate increase may very reasonably be expected within 
the next decade. 

The late extensions of established streets and avenues, 
including additions of tine plots of ground, are in process of 
construction and improvement. Several grand public bou- 
levards and private "places," recently finished, are 
occupied and in use at the close of 1888, Among them 



94 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

is a public houU^vard, of ouo mile in Icuiith, tlio rojul- 
way 100 feet, and .sidewalks each 25 feet in width. The 
latter is granitoid and the former Telford pavement 
Avitli a top layer of jNIaremec red gravel level as a lawn. 
Another boulexard of e(|ual length and similar eon- 
struetion, is being made a few blocks distant, and both 
end at Forest Park. These magniticent avenues and drives, 
beside others not specially referred to, arc unsurpassed by 
any others in the land. 

lUII.DIXt; I'KKMITS FOK TKX VKAHS.* 

Most of all of the purchases of lots, in recent years, 

have ])een for early or innnediate improvement, and 

building permits have kept pace with the transfers of 

ownership. The permits of the last ten years have been 

as folk)Ws: 

1878 $2,432,r>(;S.OO 

1879 ;{,sr)l,(i73.00 

1880 3,783,832.00 

1881 4,1)80,885.00 

1882 (i,l(i3,545.00 

1883 7,123,878.00 

1884 7,31(;,(;8o.00 

1885 7,37(),511).00 

188(i 7,030,8 1!).00 

1887 8,l(;2,!tl4.00 

1888, Besiiuuiug with tlu' inunicipal tiscal yoar, April lUli, to 
December 12lh, a period of eiuiit moutlis ami tlirec days, the permits 
were for $(;, 71)3,208.00. 

These tigurcs do not represent the actual sum expended, 
since few buildings are ever completed for the estimated 
cost, and for this reason, the total sum should be at least one- 
fifth more. This is known to be the case in the estimates 
of the outlay on several large structures finished, and yet 
building, in the year 1888. The buildings completed in 

♦Note — The bnildins permit otiice keeps its account for the caletidar year, whilst 
the Mayor follows the./fscrt/ year, endiiiir April 9th. The table here given is that of 
the permit office. — Author. 



Tin-: LIGGETT & .MYERS BLOCK. 



w.> 




.\)6 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAV 



.that year, namely, those for banks, offices, stores, 
churches, pahitial dwellings, etc., excel in architectural 
splendor and size, with few exceptions, any that have ever 
been constructed in this city. 

Within the city limits during the year 1888, several 
eligible and desirable tracts and plots of ground have 
•changed hands, each costing with the surface improve- 
ments from a (]uarter to three-fourths of a million dollars. 
They have been platted, graded and sewered, and are on 
sale by the agents of the proprietors. Among the tinest 
of all the splendid drives is Lindell Boulevard, which with 
others, vie with those of any city of the laud. 




;T. GKOUGK S KPISCOI'AI. CHllUll. 



DESIRABLENESS OF ST. LOIJIS' REAL ESTATE. 97 



CHAPTER IV. 



ST. LOUIS' KEAL ESTATE. ITS DESIRABLENESS FOR INVEST 
MENT AND EARLY AI'PRECIATION IN VALUE. 



8t. Louis has only recently l)egun to draw the careful 
and marked attention of capitalists and investors of other 
localities; it has almost suddenly become apparent to them 
that here is as promising a spot for investments as Chicago- 
ever was; and that in the future race for pre-eminence 
in population, and its accompaniments, of commerce 
and manufactures, it is a rival, whose grand future 
may not be disparaged in comparison with the Lake City. 
Now, at' the threshold of the twentieth century, the time 
is marked with such improvement, culture and retinement — 
advancing steadily with the growth of population — that this 
citv will bear comparison with any other metropolis. 

The present is a favorable period in the growth and 
development of St. Louis, for the investment of capital in 
unoccupied grounds, which may be chosen as promisingly, 
with slight exceptions, in any portion of the city. Through 
all parts new streets have been made and others ex- 
tended. Sewerage advances apace with the improvement 
and development of new localities. No wild inflation nor 
''])o()ming" — as that word is commonly understood — is in- 
dulged in at St. Louis, l)ut the instrinsic and rapidly a[)- 
preciating value of its real estate — both url)an and suburban 
— is manifest to all intelligent observers, and especially to 
those who take the pains to make examination. 

There is ample "room for the profitable employment 
of more capital in banking, in the establishment of 
more manufacturing industries, and in trade and com- 



"98 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY'. 



iiierce in general ; to meet the wants of the great valley, and 
populous territory beyond, which seek Saint Louis as the 
most convenient and direct market of supply and demand. 

THE ADVANTAGES OF ST. LOUIS FOR HOME LIFE. 

Few large cities of our country have as many solid 
attractions for the residence of a family, composed of 




y>I$^7V'^^]i t^gacp^ /"^>\cvry";^^|)rov7r;ji:%3iy^t£ ^3^ 



parents and children, as this city. To state the facts 
briefl}', a house may be purchased, or rented, at a reason- 
ble — even low — price. Schools, churches and modern im- 
provements are found in every quarter. Stores and markets 
are convenient. An abundant supply of good water, gas and 



ADVANTAGES OF ST. LOUIS FOR HOME LIFE. 



99 



thorough sewerage is found in evei'v developed district. 
Rapid transit on upwards of KU) miles of street railways, is 
available, every five minutes and under, at a five cent fare 
for any distance. Institutions and societies for intellectual 
and physical improvement, and for rational delight are 
numerous. Libraries are open to the public at a merely 
nomial cost. The necessaries and luxuries of life are abun- 
dant and cheap. Saloons are closed 24 hours on Sundays. 
Gambling is forbidden by State and Municipal laws, which 
are rigidly enforced. And the policing of the city being 
rigid and active, there are few temptations or allurements 
which youth may not avoid, provided, the training be proper 
at home, and tJtat made attractive as it can be. Finally, 
the climate is mild, and in healthfulness St. Louis is equal 
to the most favored cities of the United States. And, in 
many x>ther respects, this city is a delightful place of 
residence. 



J ^VTff, 



JBi.. 










^\llSl«^4^<:e oj L.L.CuLveft Eso^ 



100 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



CHAPTER y. 

TITLES TO KEAL ESTATE OF THE OIUGINAL "COMMONS, 
AND OTHER FRENCH AND SPANISH "CONCESSIONS." 



The titles to the original " Coinmon Fields" of the 
eavlj Town of St. Louis were derived : i'Vr*-^, from the 
French and Spanish governments, Avhose titles were after- 
wards maintained bv special Acts of the Congress of the 
United States at the instance of the municipalitv of St. 
Louis, in all to 3837 acres. Secondh/, from the Cit^- of 
St. Louis. These lands were sold In' the city, and the 
title conveyed is l)oth undisputed and indisputable. Refer- 
ence is made to chapter six on the "Common Fields" for 
a detailed account of these lands. 

OTHER "CONCESSIONS" OR (iRANTS. 

The Congress of the United States passed an "Act 
(dated June 12, 1866) authorizing documentary evidence 
of titles to the owner of lands in the City of St. Louis." 
Under this act 109 decrees have ])een issued by the District 
Court of the United States at St. Louis. 

Various acts have been passed by Congress, from time 
to time, ratifjdng or confirming claims made under the 
former acts, and also the claims of indi\iduals to [)articular 
tracts. 

At the present time, all legal principles regulating 
claims and titles have been thoroughly settled by the 
courts, and conflicting claims have been adjusted by com- 
promise or court decisions ; and, accordingly, verj- few spots 
are any longer in dispute. The facilities for examining 
land titles with accuracy and dispatch are so complete at 
St. Louis, that purchasers of property can readily satisfy 
themselves of the validity of their title should they wish 
to investigate the work of the abstractor. 



LAKE AT ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN. 



101 




102 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAV. 

THE LIVHES TEKIUENS, OH FRENCH AND SPANISH LAM> 
HErOUl) HOOKS, rHESEKVEl) "INTACT." 

The Book of Registry of iinints and transfers of lands 
at the vilhige of 8t. Louis was called, in French, tJw Livre 
Terrieii.* 

The "livres terriens," or provincial land records, 
together with all the documents and papers of the 
*' archives," were handed over by the retirhig Spanish 
Lieut. Governor to Captain Amos Stoddard, U. S. A., 
-who represented the United States at Saint Louis, in 
March 1804, the date of the "Cession." The number of 
the documents, etc., exceeded three thousand, many of 
which remain on deposit with the Recorder at the present 
day. Books were provided in 1816, in which all these 
■documents were transcribed, and thcv tilled six large vol- 
umes. 

All papers and docunuMits of record were invariably 
•executed in the presence of the Lieut. Governor of the 
Province (of Upper Louisiana), or of hisotficial representa- 
tive, and were deposited in his keeping. They were kept in 
the French language up to 1770, and afterwards in the 
Spanish. 

An arpent or arpen comprised 192 feet, (5 inches each 
way, or 37,756 feet square, and about 85.07 of an acre 
English measure. A league square contained 7,05(i arpens. 

THE AKCHIVES. 

The term "archives" from the Latin (Jejjof-a'toi-ium, 

originall}^ signiiied a place of deposit for the safe keeping 

• of official documents, and subsequently included the term 

"papers," or documents of esteemed value therein 

deposited. 

Here at St. Louis, at the present day, when speaking 
of the French and Spanish "archives" of the early village, 

*NoTE.— There were iu all six books of "cap" paper bound in leather.— ^H(/jor. 



ASSESSOR S TAX LIST. 



103 



■we apply the term to tlie hooks in which u hirge portion of 
Iheir early (lociunents were recorded. These were 
* 'concessions" or gniiits of lots and lands, leases, deeds, 
wills, inventories, powers of attorney, agreements, mar- 
riage contracts, and various 'other documents of a miscel- 
laneous sort relating to persons and things. 

THE ASSKSSOirs LIST 

•Of real and personal property at Saint Louis, in 1811, cov- 
ered only fiixfeeii pa(/es of ordina)-// ^'fool's cap'" paper, 
but in the assessment for the year of 18<S8, the property 
required over seventy large lK)oks to set it forth. 




TlIK UKlTlil.K' UllICK 



104 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



C^HAPTER VI. 

THE EARLY COMMONS OF ST. LOlIS. 



THE ORIGINAL "CONCESSIONS" WERE MAINTAINED BY ACTS 

OF CONGRESS AND THE FEDERAL COURTS. THE LANDS 

WERE UTILIZED BY THE CITY (GOVERNMENT. 



The '■'Contmou Fields'' were four in number, viz: 
"The Prairie des Noi/er,'' in the south-west oriuintil 
.suburbs, beginning at or near Grand avenue on their east 
side. The grounds of Henrv Shaw were a part of this 
prairie, ineluding the Botanical (iardens and Tower 
Grove Park. 

Next, the '"Cul de /Sac'' Coiitinon Fields, which were 
situated a little north of Prairie des Noyer. 

Then, the "-^7. Louis Common Fields," beginning, on 
the east, about Fourth street, and extending Avestward to 
Jefferson avenue. They embraced the territory bounded by 
Wahiut street on the south, and Palm street on the north. 

Lastlv, "■Grande Prairie Fields,'' bounded on the east 
b}- Grand avenue, on the west by Marcus, on the north by 
Florissant, and on the south hy McPherson avenue. 

The "Commons" w^ere the public pasturing and haying 
grounds from the earliest settlement, but the best portions 
of them were cultivated for corn, wheat and vegetables. 
They aggregated 45,010.48 arpens, or :5,837.03 acres. 
They were "Conceded" by the French and Spanish Gov- 
ernments of Louisiana — for the use and benetit of the 
people of the town of St. Louis. To define, establish and 
contirm these grants, to the city of St. Louis, (and others 
to individual persons,) the Congress of the United States 
passed the following acts, viz : 

March 2Hth, 1S04, April 21st, ISOC, March 3r(l, 1S13, 

March 2ncl, 1805, March 3rd, 1S07, April 12th, ISU, 

February 2(Jth, ISOC, .Time 13th. 1S12, April 29th, ISK!,. 

May 2(ith, 182(i, and July 4th, 183(j. 



THE BELCHER SUGAR REFINERY. 



lOf) 




106 8T. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



These acts were in pursuance of Article III of the 
Treaty of Cession of the Territory of Louisiana hy tlie 
French Rei)u])lic to the United States. The ''Text" of 
that artick^ is as f oUows : "The inhabitants of the ceded 
territory shall be incorporated in the Union of the I'nited 
States, and admitted as soon as possible, aecordinii' to the 
principles of the Federal Constitution, to the enjoyment 
of all the rights, advantaiics and imnuniities of citizens of 
the United States; and, in the meantime, they shallbe 
maintained and protected in the free enjoyment of their 
liberty, property and the religion which they profess." 

These acts of Uouiiress (mentioned in order of date), 
nnide for the purpose of ascertaining' and adjudicating^ 
titles, were supplemented by acts of the General Assembly 
of the State of Missouri, which authorized the City (ioy- 
ernment of St. Louis to suryey, subdivide and sell all the 
St. Louis Commons. The City availed itself of this 
authority, and the Council ordered, in March, is;)"), a 
survey and sale thereof: and. accordingly, sold the entire 
Connnon Fields, (comprising o,<So7 acres), for ;il)()ut the 
sum of ^400,0()().()(). Very soon after these sales, many 
of the buyers became dissatisfied with their purchases, 
thinking that they had paid (piite loo inHrJi! and. i>reat 
financial troubles coming on soon afterwards throughout 
the United States, the result was, that nearly vwvy acre 
lapsed to the City for unpaid taxes, within a few years. 

In 1854, or nearly twenty years thereafter, the City 
having meanwhile become repossessed of the gri'ater part 
of the "Connnons"" under the tax laws, the nuinicipality 
again advertised and sold the larger part of them, at public 
sales^ — during the years isr)4-r)r)-r)() and USnS — for a sum 
aggregating $(i7(),()()().0(). In lS")i). what remamed were- 
sold. The prices ranged from ^aOO.OO to $7,700.00 per front 
foot, and produced $<S0,(i01.00. So great was the })ublic 
interest in these sales, that several hundred bidders were- 



VALIDITY OF LAND TITLES. 



107 



present ateachdayof sale, and competing for the owiiciship. 
The total sales amounted to $750, (iOl .00. Ten per cent, of 
that sum was voted })}' the people into the Common School 
Fund, and the remainder into the City Treasury and Sink- 
ing Fund. The terms of these sales were one-sixth cash, 
the rcnuiindcr in five annual payments, drawing six per 
cent, interest per annum. 




108 8T. LOUI8 OF TO-DAY. 

CHAPTER VII. 

THE OLD HUSINKSS SECTION: WILL BE KEVn'ED. 



A.s i.s well known, the inijjrovcd propm'ty for twenty 
tscjuiires — between Franklin avenue on the north and Chou- 
teau avenue on the south, and from Front to Fourth street — 
was almost the exehisive business part of this citv, for 
merchants, manufacturers and offices, until shortly after 
the civil war. The first Lindell Hotel was Iniilt on Wash- 
ington avenue just prior to the peace. Other large hotels 
were already established on and near Fourth street. Within 
a few years thereafter Barnum's and the Olive street hotels 
were closed. The German hotels on Second street, alone 
remained, and are still active. About the date of the com- 
pletion of the Fads Bridge, all the nu)re importaiit hotels 
were located either upon or a square or two l)e\'ond the 
verge of the old husiness liniif, at Fourth street. 

Amongst the earliest to remove from the old limits, 
were jol)bing and wholesale merchants: but, they went 
gradually, at first only a scpuire ov two, then somewhat 
further westward. That class of mervdiants continues to 
■establish l)usiness still further in the same direction. 

For a half century after Laclede's time, all the ground 
-east of Fourth street was known as "under the hill." 
Originally, a bluff of limestone rock, of the height of 
thirty feet, beginning at Market street, and extending to 
St. Charles Road, occupied the line of Front, Commercial 
and ^lain streets. The "l)luff" was utilised for its building 
stone, and houses were built where once it stood; until, 
as time progressed, the town extended to, and beyond the 
hill — spreading more and more — and, in 1876, the western 
boundary of the corporation was fixed seven miles west 
from, and nineteen miles along the River Front, where 
it has sines remained. But, it was not until ste imbr)ats 
>vere largely supersceded by railroads in th? transp :)rtation 



THE OLD BUSINESS SECTION, 109 



of frciirlit and passciiiJfcrs, thut tlic inoxini:' iini)iilse was 
felt iiijurioii.sly to P^ast-End propcrtyvalues. In 1874, upon 
the completion of the Eads' Bi-idofo and Tunnel, the Union 
Depot foi- all the railroads enterinir the city was estal)lished 
two-thirds of a mile fi'om the i'i\('i-, whieh irreatly impaired 
the propel ty valuations in the old district. 

A somewhat similar mo\ement occurred at the City of 
New York forty yeai's since, and progressed rapidly for a 
few yeai's ; then. \'ery <rradually. At that city, the estah- 
lishment of the railroad depots, and some of the largest 
and Ix'st hotels in " u}) town" localities, led to the exodus 
of the johhing, importing and dry goods commission mer- 
chants from the old to new locations, and nearer the tran- 
sient homes of their customers. At that day, New York 
did not ]K)ssess any facilities of "rapid transit.'' 

In^ the last } articular, the case is different with St. 
Louis, since rapid transit is found to-day through several 
street lines leading from the direction of, and near the 
East-End. Business men lose no time between their home 
and office, (hstant two, three, four and more miles. There 
is a still greater dissimilai'ity between New York city and St. 
Louis. The East-End stretch of this city is numy miles in 
extent, whilst that of the former city is a slender ^;o/y/^ of 
land, fi'om which the removal of business men dealing 
with the countr}' merchants occurred. That the Mer- 
chants" Kailway Bridge, with its terminal surface 
and elevated railway facilities, will be constructed 
at an early date is now an estal)lished certainty, which gives 
an entirely new aspect to the (juestion of the eligibility of 
the East-End improved property. Eroni this time there 
will be few removals on the part of those who have remained 
at the P^ast-P]nd : and fresh occupants of new warehouses 
will seek to be accommodated within the limits of the old 
distiict — whose restoration is only a question of a faw 
years. 



no 



8T. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



But, were the Merchants' Bridge and Terminals never 
to be built ! the East-End property would still be very 
valuable. In what part of this cit}- can be found prop- 
erty as suitable for dealers in all descriptions of heavy 
and bulky goods, and especially of raw materials for 
manufacturing, such as coal, ores, blooms and other 
mineral products; lumber, timber, cotton, wool, hides and 
grain, not to mention flour, meats and machinery? 
The answer comes on the instant : " That no other location 
will bear advantageous comparison with that of the East- 
End in eligibility of situation, and in special adaptability to 
all heavy lines of mercantile, manufacturing and commis- 
sion business, including warehouses for goods and ma- 
chinery." 

Then, if this be so, the business property, not only 
within the "old limits,"' but all property — both the im- 
proved and the uninipro\ed — for several miles of river 
frontage, possesses a high intrinsic value and fast-bound 
quality, which is as enduring as the earth I 




VIKW IX TOWER (iltON K I'AKK. 



THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



PART FOURTH 



CHAPTER I. 

ST. LOUIS' AGlUCULTrUAL AND MECHANICAL ASSOCIATION. * 



(^^I^HIS has long been a favorite institution of the 
CSl^ people of St. Louis, and of several of the 
"^1^ surrounding states. It was founded in 1855, 

^ and held its tirst fair, October 185(5. The fair 
was suspended during the civil war, but reopened October 
18(i6. It has been continued annually ever since, and is 
likely to be, while interest in agriculture and the 
mechanic arts shall last. The area of the ground is 
eighty acres. All is inclosed, and improved with all need- 
ful buildings, conspicuous among which is the ampithea- 
ter, capable of sheltering one hundred thousand persons 
from sun and rain. The Zoological Gardens comprise nu- 
merous buildings, including the cages, dens and inclosures 
of a complete menagerie of wild animals, of all countries. 

The annual exhibitions of machinery, implements of hus- 
bandry and products of the factory, farm, mine, etc., are 



* Note.— Thirty-three years since, when the grouuds of the Assoc atioii were 
established at their present locality, they were in the remote s biirbs; but now the 
Fair Grounds are within, and distant from the city limits two miles, and surround- 
ed on all sides by costlv improvements and a numerous population. — Author. 

Ill 



112 



ST. LOUIS t)F TO-DAV. 



wonderful in extent and variety. The Fair attracts eaeli 
year hundreds of thousands of visitors during the five chivs 
of the annual shows. The displays of live stock — cattle, 
sheep, swine, horses and mules — are scarcely equalled in 
any country for the variety and superiority of their val- 
ual)le breeds. 

THE ST. LOriS JOCKEY C'LIB, AND ITS EXCELITNii "PLANT." 

"Hi)'>v tliroiiuli his vt'iiis Lioes tlu' lift- current k'upiiiii." — Whitticr. 

One of the other most attractive adjuncts of the Great 
Fair is centered about the grounds of the Jocke}' Club Asso- 
ciation, sixty-three acres in extent. Its magnificent Club 
House, with its complete ai)pointments, is the finest of 
any of its sort in the United States. The Association has 
semi-annual ''meetings," in June and October, and is pat- 
ronized from all sections of the Union. A very large cap- 
ital is invested in extensive grounds and improvements, all 
which have made this property the first of its class. The 
Club, and its valual)lc properties in the plant, were the out- 
come chiefly of a laudable aim to promoti^ and secure the 
very highest improvement in the breed of trotting horses. 




COAT OK Aims, STATK Ol" MISSOCItl. 



THE EXPOSITION AND MUSIC HALL. 113^ 



CHAPTP:R II, 



THK PEKMANENT EXPOSITION AND MISIC HALL IUILI)IN(i 



'r.ids him foriict what thiiius have l)eL'ii, 
Life's toil and strain," 



The Exposition and Music Hall building is the laroest 
and tinest of all yet constructed in the United States for 
similar purposes : that of an annual exj)osition of iniin'oNcd 
machinerv, and of inventions and designs ; of mineral, agri- 
cultural and pomological productions, goods and wares ; 
4ind of paintings and works of art in general. Beside 
these, are its unsurpassed entertainments in oi'chestral 
music. Hundreds of thousands of visitors, both citizens 
and strangers, visit and re-visit all these attractions during 
the usual autumnal term of six weeks. 

The magniticent edifice occupies the area of two blocks 
of ground, and fronts on Olive street 332 feet, to a depth 
of 5()(j feet on St. Charles street, between 13th and 14th 
streets. The superficial area covered by the ])uilding is 
280,000 feet. The ground was the original ^lissouri Park, 
of six and one-fourth acres, and was licensed by the 
Municipality to the incorporators of the Exposition for 
the term of fifty 3'ears, free of charges for ground rent 
and taxes (excepting only a tax on the boiler house). The 
incorporators are an enterprising company of citizens, 
who seek no direct profit from their investment, but whose 
design is to provide entertainments, instruction and. 



114 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



refined pleasure suited to the tastes and wants of the da}' 
:and age in which we live. 

The grand Music Hall has a seating capacity of 
four thousand persons, and standing space for half os 
many more. 

The splendid enterprise and talent of the Board of 
Directors of this very popular institution, deserve from 
•citizens the fullest appreciation. Theory is now at an 
end, and it is an established certainty that the views and 
aims of the projectors and founders of this most popular 
addition to the attractions centering at this city, have been 
fully realized; and, that a foundation has been laid to 
perpetuate the Exposition and its adjuncts. The very large 
patronage of the public at home, and from the surrounding 
states, voices the common sentiment of approbation and 
-of pride in these institutions. 




THK G1!AX1> Ol'ElJA HOUSE. 



AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL ASSOCIATION. 115 



CHAPTEE III 

GRAND ANNUAL STREET ILLUMINATIONS AND PARADES. THE 
COMING OF THE VEILED PROPHET AND HIS SUITE. 



'Ill Fairy-laud, whose streets and to\yers 
Are made of gems of light and flowers!" 

— Lallu Iiookh. 



ILLUMINATIONS. 

It has come to be an established custom, during each 
fall season, to present to the public beautiful, taste- 
ful and grand displays in processions and parades, ac- 
companied with brilliant illuminations of gas jets, in 
diversified colored glass shades — arranged in clusters 
and arches spanning the streets — all which, together with 
electric lights, give out such dazzling brightness and 
beauty" — through a number of miles of streets — as to be 
truly magnificent ! * 

COMING OF THE VEILED PROPHET! 

"The Great Mokanna! O'er ids features hung 
The Veil, the Silver Veil, -vvhicli he had flung 
***** to hide from mortal sight 
His dazzling brow till man could bear its light." 

Veiled Prophet of I\7)orassan. 

Upon a stated night, the Veiled Prophet, his embassa- 
dors and their retainers — accompanied l)y the houri,t in 
angelic attire — make their appearance on the streets — sit- 
ting and standing upon "floats " on wheels — in grandeur 
of demeanor and dress — representing mythology, races of 
men, individual characters and national customs — in tab- 
leaux — resplendent in light and charming to the senses ! 
The pageant comprises a score or more of floats, each 
accompanied by a band of accomplished musicians. 

This pleasing, even instructive display to the masses, is 
witnessed usually by a hundred thousand or more peo- 



* Note. — Upward of one hundred thousand jets. 
t " Nymphs of Paradise." — Author. 



116 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



pie — and is obtained at a hiv^e cost in pains and money,, 
throuirli the members of the Veiled Prophet Assoeiation, 
including- a few other individuals of taste and enterprise. 
The procession ended, there follows a grand ball and re- 
ception, held in the largest and most eligible hall. 

THK STATIICS OF KMIXKNT AND FAMOUS MEN FKFCTKD IX 
ITBLIC FLACKS. 

The statues of eminent and fanu)us deceased citizens, 
and men of foreign birth, have beiMi erected at different 
times, and placed in the [)ublic parks: the last one is that 
of Ulysses 8. (irant, only recently 'Mun'ciled." It stands 
in the center of the north-end of Twelfth Street Place. 
All the statues occupy prominent localities, as follows: 
that of Thomas H, Benton, in Lafayette Park; those of 
Francis P. Blair and Edward Bates, in Forest Park : of 
Columbus, Shakespeare and Yon Ilumbolt in Tower (irove 
Park; all are in bronze and of heroic si/.e. 

The statue of (Jeneral Grant is by a St. Louis artist, 
and the gift of the (Jrant ^lonument Association of this 
cit\' to the Municipality. The unveiling took \)\i\ce 
October 2()th 1<S8<S, and was attended with appropriate 
cerenu)nies. The statue is in bronzi', of heroic size, meas- 
ures nine feet six inches in height, and weighs three 
thousand pounds. It stands upon a pedestal of ^Missouri 
gray granite, which has an elevation of ten feet, and rests 
u^jon a terrace raised eighteen iiu-hes above the street level. 
The height of all is twenty-one feet. On the south side of 
the pedestal is a bronze group, in bas relief, representing 
the .Oommander and his Staff at the l)attle of Lookout 
Mountain. In the plinth above is the name, Ulysses S. 
Grant, in letters of bronze. The statue faces the south. 

This statue is the tirst yet erected in honor of the 
"(ireat Commander."' Theehxiuent orator of the occasion 



STATUES OF EMINENT AND FAMOUS MEN. 



117 



renuirked, tlmt "it was becoming in St. Louis, of Avliicli city 
he had been a citizen, to erect the first statue to his 
imperishable fame I" 

"For thou art FrtH'dom's now: and Fainc's 
One of the few; the immortal uaines 

Tliat were not horn to (Vw.'"—Fitz Greene llaUvck. 




118 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



CHAPTER IV. 



THE PUBLIC PARKS, SQUARES, GARDENS, AND BOULEVARDS 
OF THE CITY OF SAINT LOUIS. 



"How all the Tvoiid is made for each of us!" — Bobert Broicniwj. 



THE PARKS. 



The Park system of this city is upon a scale the most 
liberal and happy in the distribution of the parks through- 
out the yarious parts of the city, and in extensiye 
area. The four driying parks (Forest, Tower Groye, 
O'Fallon and Carondelet), are becoming more accessible 
to the people year by year; and, as a consequence, are 
more numerously yisited, besides more highly appreciated 
and enjoyed. 

Roads and ayenues leading to them haye been improyed 
and adorned both by the city and interested owners. Sey- 
eral more charters for street railways, to be operated Iw 
different sorts of motors — for reaching all sections of the 
city — haye been recently applied for. Also, the Munici- 
pal Councils haye now under consideration an application 
for an extensiye system of eleyated railways. Each of 
these four parks can now be reached by street railways.- 

There are in all nineteen public parks, places and squares, 
including the Botanical Gardens. They contain in all 2155 
acres, and are described in these pages with slight detail 
only. Seyeral of the parks were made from grounds 
donated, others were reseryed for park purposes from the 
original "Commons." But nearly all, and the large ones 
especially, were purchased by the city, and cost, including 



PUBLIIC PARKS, SQUARES, GARDENS, ETC. 119 

theiv maintenance up to the year 1880, the sum of 
:$3,477, 543,00. 

The city constructed and finished the Boulevard on the 
north side of Forest Park^ from Kings Highway to Union 
avenue, and between the Park and the finely improved 
grounds of Forest Park Addition. The city continues to 
plant trees in *iuch of the parks as can still more be im- 
proved. The Nursery, situated at Forest Park, contains 
thousands of .fine young trees, ready to be transplanted as 
the parks require. Several thousand deciduous and ever- 
green trees have been transplanted in the different parks and 
grounds of the public institutions during the past year. 
Special attention has been paid to the choice of the va- 
rieties of these trees, which consist of elm, sugar and 
silver maple, Norway maple, sycamore, ash, box-elder, 
birch,^ white oak, beech, burr oak, red bud, cypress, sweet 
gum, horse chestnut (red and white blooming), German 
and American linden, and varieties of pines and spruce. 

The greenhouses in Benton and Hyde Parks have 
furnished a large variety of plants and fiowers to all the 
parks, and in April, 1888, were stocked Avith fully eighty 
thousand plants for use during the year. 

Picnics in the parks by schools, churches, associations, 
a.nd families, have every facility offered them by order of 
the Park Commissioner, and during the year 1888, the per- 
mits granted for picnics numbered near two-hundred. 

The parks are visited daily by large numbers of the 
people at all hours of the day, both week days and 
Sundays. Forest Park attracts thousands of visitors, 
principally ladies and children.. 



120 8T, LOriiS OF TO-OAY 

CHAPTER V. 

F()in:sr pahk. 



This Park contains 1,371 acres, and exceeds in size 
all the other parks of this city. It is admirably adapted 
by natnre to the [)nrposes of a rnral pleasnre resort, and as 
such is nt)t surpassed by any other lirounds for similar uses 
in the United States. As its name implies, it is a forest o_f 
trees. All the trees were deciduous at the tirst, but the park 
now contains a large number of evergreens, and is adorned 
with tlowering shrubs ami plants, grottos, lakes. l)ridges, etc. 
There are twenty miles of grand avenues, Avalks and drives.. 
The tiny river Des Peres, meanders across the park from 
the nortii-east to south-west. The grounds cost $850,000.00, 
ixnd up to August 10th 1877, there had been expended, 
including the improvenuMits and embellishments, the sum 
of SI. oS,'). 1:40. 1(5. Since that year. $;>(). 000. 00 have l)een- 
expended annually in develo[)ing and ])eautifying tlu' Park. 
It is on the western edi>e of the eitv, and is attracting 
about it a large number of costly family residences. Its 
surroundings on the west are still rural, while at the east 
end they are \ cry urban. A'isitors, who enjoy the salubrity 
of its atnu)spiuM'e, may truly say: "God madethe country,, 
but man made the town !" The Park has a very tine and 
extensive oblong trotting course. Singing birds and scjuir- 
rels are numerous, and the wildness of nature's scenery 
is still preserved on part of the capacious urea. 

Forest Park is approached from the east by Lindell 
and Forest Park Boulevards. The Park can be reached 
also via Olive street cable road, and other street railroads. 

The imi)roved drives are of a length of ten miles. Of 
sunnner roads there is an aggregate distance of thirteen; 



122 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

miles tlir()Ui>:li ovorlinnging shado trees, and surrouiided by 
beautiful artitieial enibellis^liments, wliieh add to naturcV 
attractions. At the east side of the park are ))i-onze- 
statues, of heroic size, of two of St. I^ouis' deceased citi- 
zens, P^dward Bates and Francis P. Blaii-, the former dis- 
tinguished as a statesman and jurist, and the latter famous 
both in war and peace. 

THE TOWER (iHOVE PARK, AND MISSOL'KI BOTANICAL GAR- 
DENS. (GIFTS OF IIENIIY SHAW TO THE MUNICI- 
PALITY OF SAINT LOUIS.) 

"No thouiiht nor care for iraiii, 

No foolisli wish for ulory's iiildod letter, 

Have brouiiht these efforts of his lieart and l)rain; 
But only that tlie world niisiht be the better, 

For one who lias not spent his life in vain." 

Henry iShaw was l)()ru in England, and settled at St. 
Louis in the year 1819. He entered into the hardware 
business and gave to it the most assiduous personal atten- 
tion ; closing it about 1840. He has ever since passed an 
active out-door, yet retired life. Mr. Shaw never married^ 
resides in winter at his handsome house in the city, and 
in summer sojourns at his tasteful dwelling in the "(Jar- 
dens." 

]Mr. Shaw, who is as wealthy as he is muniticent in 
his gifts, long 3'ears ago selected grounds admirably 
adapted to his proposed objects, mimely, 190 acres of land 
for a I^ark, and 50 acres for a '■'-Bota nival Garden, 
When verging uj)()n three score and ten years (in the year 
18(i8), he proposed to present to the numicipal tuithorities, 
the Park and Garden, on certain ti'rnis and con- 
ditions, which provided^ that the nuniicipality should ex- 
pend the sum of three hundred and sixty-three thousand 
dollars upon the Park grounds in improvements, and open 
them to the public : that a strip of ground of the width of 
200 feet on the four sides of the park,, he would i:eservey 



TOWER GROVE PARK, AND BOTANICAL GARDEN. 12S 



but lease it to the city for ninety-nine years for a stated 
sum of money, (as annual rent) to be devoted to the main- 




tenance of "Shaw's Garden;" and, finally in his "last will 
and testament," he would bestow the Gardens to this, his 
adopted city. The terms as proposed, were afterwards some- 



124 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

what iiKxlitiod, and then aeceptod l)y ordinance of the numici- 
pal ii'overnnient. The Park was named Toiri'i- (rvove Park, 
from its vicinity to the "^^'ater Tower." Tlie city beiran 
the work of improvement in ISTO, and chirinii' the ensuing 
five years, expended nearly a half million dollars upon the 
Park. It is a paralleloiiram in shape, whose width is 
1121 feet, and the leuoth (i,lG3 feet. :\Ir. Shaw, a few 
years since, erected at his own expense three l)ronze 
statues of a men famous in their departments of discovery, 
science and literature: Columbus, Von IIuml)oldt and 
Shakespeare. These are attractions to the visitor, hut arc 
scarcely noticed amidst the maaniticent scener}' which 
crovrds upon the senses of the dullest observer as he strolls 
throuiih the enil)owered jiaths and dells, or drives 
upon its spacious avenues. The Park is a aem of si)ark- 
ling beauty — in spring and summer with its bowers and, 
vine clad houses: its artistic bridges, pagodas, lakes, 
fountains, and Howing freshwater springs ; while through 
all are set, by nature and art, beautiful evergreen and 
deciduous trees, shrubs and flowers. The annual expense 
of maintaining the Park is not less than twenty-five thous- 
and dollars. 

THE BOTANICAL GAKDEN. * 

Mr. Shaw l)egan the improvement of his botanical gar- 
den many years since with the primary design of present- 
ing it to the city. If the Park, as stated, be a gent, then 
the Gardens are sapphires — in clusters of brilliant plants 
and flowers both native and exotic, (including in the 
latter a majority of all those found upon the globe) — and 
resplendent with selections from nature's choicest beauty 
in flora, spread over the entire fifty acres. But, the Garden 
must be seen, to be appreciated. Mr. Sljaw has added a 
Museum of curiosities of considerable value from both the 
animal and mineral kinodoms. 



* Note.— Situated in South-west St. \An\'\!i.~- Author. 



JOCKEY CLUB RACE CCURSE. 



125 




126 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



The Garden, ]Mu.seiuii and Park are open daily, and 
may be seen and enjoyed — without money or iwice — by 
strangers and citizens, it being free to all visitors under 
reasonable regulations. 

Mr. Shaw is in good health,* and in the possession of 
a clear and active brain, at nearly ninety years of age! 
He still takes special pleasure, and a deep interest in the 
"children" of his life work: the Gardens and Park. 

What other plans of munificence, or methods of benefi- 
cence have been conceived and are in contemplation — if 
not already formulated and resolved upon — b}' Mr. Shaw, 
are unknown to the pu])lic. It is certain, hoAvever, that 
his gifts or ultimate bequests, will be made in pursuance 
of well considered resolutions, whose shape has been 
moulded with special care and good judgment — after some 
wise scheme of liberality toward the people of the city of 
his adoption — and which shall carry his name down to 
posterity with a sweet savor. 

It may be hoped, that the life of this venerable philan- 
thropist shall be ^.^^ "^^ spared still longer, 
and his renuiining /^P^ ^^^w ^^'-^y^ on earth con- 
tinue to be passed i^ ^| in peace and tran- 
quility. That, final «^o ^^ ly, when he shall be 
called from wearing ^^ "mK, an earthly crown in 
his paradise of ^^^^^^q-vj^^P fiowers, the sum- 
mons shall be to a ^^^^^^^ heavenly home — 
Avhere only amaranthine flowers bloom — and there his brow 
be decked with a chaplet of more enduring and unfading 
verdure ! 



At the present writing, February, 14tli, 1S89. — Aatlwr. 



PARKS BENTON, CARONDALET, LAFAYETTE. 127" 



CHAPTER VI. 



BENTON PARK 

Is truly a masterpiece of landscape gardening, but pos- 
sesses rare natural advantages. It contains miniature hills- 
and valleys, a lake of two acres, together with facilities. 
for boating, an attractive grotto, and a selection of the 
finest shade trees ; whilst its beautifully undulating surface 
makes it appear double the actual area. Near this park is 
the so-called English cave. It is a natural cavern, two hun- 
dred feet in length, and thirtv-iive feet in width. It has 
special natural attractions, but it is adapted at the present 
time to utilitarian purposes of propagating mushrooms !. 
It is in the hands of a company which employs a capital 
of ten thousand dollars. 

CAKONDELET PARK. (New Limits). 

This is a picturesque natural park, Avitli a diversified 
surface, upon which are well constructed winding road ways. - 
A bright little spring of water flows out from a rocky 
source amidst grand old forest trees. These are intermixed 
with newdy planted shade trees and evergreens, making a 
most beautiful and delightful combination of park scenery. 
In the western part of this park is a hill, which affords a 
magnificent view of the surrounding country. The park 
commissioner contemplates erecting an observatory on 
this hill, sixty feet in height, to enable visitors to realize- 
the beauty of the outlying country. 

LAFAYETTE PARK 

Is a gem of natural and artificial beauty, and is one of the 
handsomest pieces of landscape architecture to be found in 
the United States. It is not a driving park, vehicles are 



128 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



prohibited, and pedestrians only are p:iven entrance. 
During the suninier it is croAvded with deliglited visitors. 
A l)and of music is eniph)ved at the expense of the citv, in 




\ ii:\\ IN lAF A^ 1, 1 ri', v\\:k 



summer, and on the days set for music, delighted throngs 
•of ladies and children are in attendance. 

GRAVOIS PARK 

Is one of the most beautiful of the promonade parks, and 
is yisited chiefiy l)y the citizens of its neiolil)orhood. 



HYDE PARK 



Is one of the best cared for and most f reqented parks in the 
<city. It is laid out handsomely, has a green house and an 



BUILDINGS OF THE JOCKEY CLUB. 



129' 




"limtfllWi 



130 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

.attractive fountain. Its lawns and flower beds are unsur- 
passed in beauty. 

LYON PARK 

Is not completed, but is a delightful resort. The grounds 
are elevated, and covered with fine shade trees. It has a 
lake and fountain. Situated in a densely populated 
locality, where factories, forges, mills, etc., abound, it is 
most highly appreciated by the people of its portion of the 
•city. 

O'FALLON PARK. 

This beautiful park has an area of 1(30 acres of ground, 
in fine elevations, from which perhaps the very best 
views of the city and its surroundings may be obtained. 
The park abounds with magnificent trees, whose foliage in 
summer and autumn presents a pleasing sight in contrast 
with the streets and houses. The park is a most popular 
resort in summer to large numbers of the people, who en- 
joy its privileges with ever increasing appreciation. 

SAINT LOUIS PLACE. 

This attractive spot of ground is not only the charm of 
its neighborhood, but one of special enjoyment and delight 
■every fine da}' to the teachers and pupils of four pul)lic free 
schools situated in the vicinity. The place is divided into 
four sections, and is intersected by three streets. The 
two northern sections have fine lawns, shrubbery, trees 
and fountains. The two southern ones are not yet sufli- 
ciently advanced in their improvements; but will early be- 
-come as attractive as the other two, and afford special 
benefits and pleasures to their neighborhood. 

WASHINGTON SQUARE. 

This pretty summer spot — in the heart of the cit}' — has 
iinviting shaded walks and lawns. It possesses a handsome 



PARK8 rriJLIC PLACES CEMETERIES. 



131 



fountain and jet cVeoM. It is no longer a resort for ladies 
and children, but only for loungers. 

THE OTHER PIHLIC (ilJOlNDS 

Of the inuiii('ii)ality are Carr S<)uare, (ianiblo Place, .lack- 
son Place, Laclede Park, South Saint Louis Scjuare, Ex- 
•change Square and Carondelet Park ("old limits" ). The 
last two are unimproved. 




iis:)tnszn/, r.nm ipm-irthc CO - 



POLICE STATIOX, I.AFAYKTTK I'AIiK. 



THE CEMETERIES. 



The boast of heraldry, the pomp of i)()wcr, 
And all that beaut.v, all that wealtii e'er gave, 

Await alike tli' iiievital)U' liour. 

The patiis of glory leail but to the grave. 

— Gray''s Eleyy. 

The l)urial grounds of the earlier days of St. Louis 
were gradually removed to remote rural spots and relocated 
on grounds most eligible and beautiful for their natural 



132 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



scenery luid shape. In the iinprovement and adornment of 
these last resting phices of the " silent," large expense has 
been incurred, and all that tine taste and skill could do has 
been done to render them pleasing and attractive. The 
cemeteries are all easily approached. The two most 
extensive are Beliefountaine, which contains 350 acres of 




ground, and Calvary of 225 acres; the latter is owned by 
the Roman Catholics, and the former by the Protestants. 

Visitors from abroad, who have seen the cemeteries near 
the Eastern cities, would be favorably impressed Avith a 
sio;ht of those of St. Louis. 



A "CREMATORY" 

Was completed early in 1888 at a cost of $20,000.00, and 
built by a stock company. It is of one main apartment, 
attached to which are two smaller rooms, and beneath is the 
' ' furnace. ' ' The construction is after the most experienced 
plans. Although recently damaged by an accidental com- 
bustion, it Avas quickly restored to serviceable condition. 
The crematory is on the edge of the city, five miles dis- 
tant from the Court House. 

The cremation "movement" is slowly progressing at 
St. Louis, and is likely to obtain a larger following ere 



CREMATORY, 133 



long. During nine months, between April, 1888, and 
January, 1889, twenty-eight "incinerations" have taken 
place, of deceased persons, whose nationalities were as 
follows: American 7, German 13, French 1, Irish 1, 
Swiss 1, Austrian 2, unknown 8; showing that one-fourth 
only are known to have been of American birth. The few 
ounces of "ashes," found after cremation, arc usually 
inclosed in a leaden ca^sket, and deposited in a burial vault 
at a cemetery. 

It seems as if "cremation" — ever repulsive to the taste 
of Christians from the earliest period of the institution of 
Christianity — may yet become popular, and be adopted as a 
sanitary measure for over-crowded populations. 




IN TIJE rKMl'/lKKY 



134 8T. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



CHAPTER VIL 



THE MERCHANTS' BRIDGE COMPANY. THE TERMINAL RAIL- 
WAY COMPANY. THE SWELLING VOLUME OF COM- 
MERCE DEMANDS THEM TO-DAY. 



Look! the lofty arelies leap above the watery waste. 



The construction of this most necessary additional, 
bridge, for which the Congress of the United States, 
granted a liberal and " self-protecting " charter, has been, 
commenced and will be pushed to completion within les&% 
than two years, or earlier. 

The confidence reposed in the ability of the officers of 
the Merchants' Bridge Co. to carry out the expectations; 
which they had aroused in the community of the early 
completion of their great enterprise, is now verified by a 
most auspicious beginning. 

The bridge is greatly needed to-da3^,its commencement 
is hailed with delight by the business community. Its 
construction will lead to the abolition of the present 
"bridge arbitrary," and add millions to the wealth of St.. 
Louis. No enterprises could be as important, or produc- 
tive of results so valuable to the commerce of St. Louis,, 
as the new Bridge and Terminal Railway. Indeed, their 
need is of even greater importance, both at present and 
prospectively, than the construction of the Eads Bridge 
and Tunnel adjuncts were when begun twenty-one years- 
ago. The trade of St. Louis — so greatly enlarged during, 
the intervening period — will make a great leap when the 



THE merchants' BRIDGE. 135 



new bridge shall be opened to use, and will produce .such an 
impulse to real estate values as has rarely been witnessed 
at St. Louis. 

That the present bridue facilities, being entirely inade- 
quate to the wants of the trattic of the present railroads, 
cannot, accommodate other roads — now building and pro- 
jected — makes another bridge indispensable. It is not un- 
reasonable to predict that in considerably less time than ten 
years from the completion of the Merchants' Bridge, 
another still will be recpiired to meet the wants of trade 
and travel, which grow in the ratio of the great increase of 
this city, and the development of the vast surrounding ter- 
ritory. 

The ^Merchants' Bridge will, in many respects, be a 
counterpart of the Eads Bridge, but will be capable of 
bearing one-third more weight to the square foot, than 
that b'ridge. At the period of the building of the Eads 
Bridge, a freight car had the capacity of only twenty 
thousand pounds, but now its size and strength is equal to 
forty and even fifty thousand pounds ! Besides, the pres- 
ent locomotives are giants in contrast with the inferior 
Aveight and ability of engines twenty years since. 

The cost of the Merchants' Bridge is estimated at from, 
two to two and a half million dollars, a sum so much 
below the greater cost and expenditures of the Eads Bridge, 
as to render the building of the Merchants' Bridge com- 
paratively a light work. It will be built and owned by St. 
Louis capitalists, who have taken the bonds of the com- 
pany, and is satisfactory assurance that its utility will be 
preserved and maintained in the interests of the community. 
The lesser cost of a bridge similar to that of the Eads is to 
be secured, it is stated, through reduced cost in the rock 
foundations — owing to shallower depth — saving in damages 
and cost of ground ; but, especially by economy and the 
reduced cost of materials and labor, as compared with their 
prices twenty years ago. 



136 ST. LOUIS OF TO-T)AY. 



A NEW UNION PASSENGER RAILWAY DEPOT. 



*' Thus said the Duko, thus did the Dulve iufer." 

—JUchard III. 



At length, it is declared iutelli<>il>ly and authorita- 
tively — at the headciiiarters of the Missouri Pacitic Railway 
Sj'steni in this city — that it has been detinitely decided to 
build a new Passenger Depot, and to begin work without any 
unnecessary delay. The date named for its completion 
is September 1st, 18i)0. The period of eighteen months, 
which must interyene, will be found short indeed, in 
view of the pleasure flowing from the anticipation of such 
a boon. The advent of a new depot will be hailed with 
delight by the millions who travel to and from this city 
€ach year. 

The estimated cost is one million dollars. The gen- 
eral plan of the new structure has been derived from ma- 
ture experience, as to the sort of building, which a modern 
railway passenger depot should be — for comfort, conyeni- 
ence and elegance — to secure in its construction the 
highest demands of utility. But, it should be so planned, 
that safety to the traveling public shall be assured — at a 
great depot — where, at all times, surging crowds are has- 
tening to and fro, almost unconscious of the surrounding 
dangers. 

In view of security against accidents — from moving 
trains and trucks — the Avaiting and eating apartments of 
passengers will be a story above the track level. Different 
stairways will be used by the arriving and departing pas- 



NEW UNION PASSENGER RAILWAY DEPOT. 137 



sengers, who will be conducted to their proper tniiu with- 
out liability of mistake, and promptly from the cars. 

The first floor of the new Depot will be on the plane of 
Poplar street, eighteen feet al)ove the level of the rail- 
road tracks of Mill Creek Valley. The grand front of the 
building will be on that street. The halls will be so 
spacious that ingress and egress — by separate doors — will 
])e without jostling. The structure \v\\\ have two addi- 
tional stories — above the w^aiting and eating rooms — for 
the occupation of officers and employes. Every modern 
comfort, will be introduced in connection with good taste. 

The nuiterials used in the construction of this model 
depot, will be Missouri red and gray granite — both rock- 
face and polished — and St. Louis i)ressed brick, including 
those of ornaniental forms. The Komanesque in architec- 
ture, will be adopted for the north and south fronts. The 
])uilding will be fire proof, but as very great strength is 
not essential, the plan and details will secure — through 
their com})ination — greater elegance than can be obtained 
in a commercial structure. 

The long "debated" question of the locdlioii of the new 
dep6t being now settled, it is interesting to know ^jrec/.ve/y 
where it will be built. Its site is between Twelfth 
and Fourteenth streets, and Poplar street and Mill 
Creek Valley. A portion of the high ground, together 
with the buildings yet standing, will be removed and the 
site adapted to its new uses. The width of Poplar street 
will l)e increased to «0 feet by adding 20 feet of the depot 
ground between Twelfth and Fourteenth streets, in order 
to secure ample space for travelers and carriages, but like- 
wise to give finei- effect to the front of the structure. 

The length of the new edifice will be 4r)0 feet, and its 
breadth !•) feet, which dimensions foreshadow the magnifi- 
cence of its completed presence. The distinguished rail- 
way magnate, who controls great systems of roads. 



138 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



centering at St. Louis, purchased, privately, during the past 
two or three years, all the ground needed for the site of 
the new passenger depot. Certainly, it is eligibly chosen, 
and fittingly suited to its purpose. 

When the present passenger depot was built — nearly a 
score years since — it was both fine and commodious, but 
now it is wholl}^ unsuited to the wants of the great public, 
who — cribbed, cabined and confined — chafe under the 
inflictions imposed upon them through contact with the 
present ineligible depot. The numerous railway compa- 
nies using the Union Depot, can well afford to secure a new 
one, which shall be at once convenient, commodious and 
magnificent. 




THE KOE miLDlNCi. 



DE.scHn'TioNs OK m:\v iuildinus. 



1H9 



A WAV OF THE lU'ILDINCJS COMPLETED DIKING THE 
YEAR liS.SH. 



THE AMEHK'AN CENTRAL (THE "SINCiEH"' lUlLDING, 
ENLARGED AND RECONSTRUCTED), 

Oot'upies the N. E. cornei- of Broadway and Locust street, 
5ind is eight stories in height. The original cost was 
$225,000.00, and $200,000.00 more have been expended in 




THE AMKRICAN CKNTUAI. BUILniXG. 

the reconstruction. This sphMuhd structure is strictly tire 
proof. Not a single dark room is in the building. There are 
several modern elevators which move 400 feet per minute. 
The corridors are all wainscotted with fine Italian marble, 
i\ud the interior finish of the building is in solid ([uartered 



140 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

oak, and the floors of marble. An iron and bronze stair- 
way, leads from the basement to the top story, whose step* 
are of marble. The entrance — corridor walls and ceiling — 
are in panel work of marble. The lavatory is on the 
eighth floor, finished in marble, brass and quartered 
oak; in utility and taste it is not excelled. The American 
Express Co., and the Wells-Fargo Express Co., have taken 
a ten years' lease on the first floor, and use it as one gen- 
eral ofiice. There are fifty office apartments in the five 
stories next above the Express office, the rentals of which 
amount to $25,000.00 annuall3^ The American Central 
Insurance Company occupies the entire seventh story^ 
which is splendidly lighted, and is the largest single office 
occupied by any business concern in this city, if not in the 
West. The building is thoroughly fire proof. Such 
eligibility in the plan and beauty of details in an office 
building are most creditable to the architect and builder. 

THE BANK OF COMMERCE BUILDING. 

This elegant and attractive structure, north-east corner 
of Olive street and Broadway, was built and is owned by 
the bank, which occupies the first floor. The sixty office 
rooms — contained in the seven stories above — are conven- 
ient and tasteful. The building is of white marble, com- 
pletely fire proof, and finished in antique oak. It is supplied 
with Hale elevators, a,nd is a model building. Its cost was 
about a quarter million dollars. 

THE COMMERCIAL BUILDING. 

This grand and imposing structure, erected on the south- 
east corner of Sixth and Olive streets, by the "Commercial 
Building Company of Saint Louis," (a Chicago syndicate) 
is eight stories in height, exclusive of basement. It has a 
frontage on Olive street of 127 feet, and on Sixth of 116 
feet. The construction of this building is of the very best 
character in design, workniansliip and materials, and is 



COMMERCIAL BUILDING. 



141 



suited especially for stores and ottic-es, in accordance with, 
the very hitest improvements and requirements of such 
occupancy. 

The exterior materials are polished and rock-face Mis- 
souri Syenite granite, and the tincst (juality of 8t. Louis. 

X 





^'^ 




.1^ 



pl^ 

i^^ 



i^ 



^""■^ 



!'^^ Tjffi €'2i IP" ^^11 ISw i». 
mil ? l^-f f- 1 R'l# ' -Wff ■"? f ' i(f f ff" 4^ 



^:iM^'Srf'i^^ 



4% "^ 'i 




• UMMKItciAI. IUII.DINM;. 



142 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

pressed brick. The sills, string courses, cornices, coping, 
bases and capitals are of Portage brown-stone. Columns, 
(between each two piers), pilasters and lintels are of iron. 

This building, in its tire proof qualities, and in all other 
respects — lighting, heating and ventilation, and perfect 
arrangement for the convenience of occupants — is unex- 
celled by any other yet erected in the West. An inspec- 
tion of its admirable construction is a treat to the visitor. 
The building is equipped with four swift-moving hydraulic 
elevators, made of iron and bronze. There are three large 
store rooms and one smaller one on the first floor; and, on 
the remaining seven floors, there are 192 office rooms — of 
different sizes — and each furnished with a steel safe. The 
corriders of first, second and third stories are floored with 
Georgia marble, and wainscotting of same material. A 
broad, easy, iron staircase leads from the first to the top 
story. 

The ground was leased at an annual rent for 99 years, 
and the cost of the building, the agent stated, was 
$600,000.00. 

THE FAGIN BUILDING. 

This magnificent structure — located at Nos. 806, 808, 
■810, 812 and 814 Olive street — wholly novel and unique 
in its style of architecture — attracts the general attention, 
being so unlike any other building in this city, whilst 
travelers, the world over, declare they do not remember to 
have seen any edifice resembling the Fagin Building ! 

The building is an advertisement m itself. Since, should 
a stranger, who had once seen it and being desirous to 
return to its locality — not knowing the way — might simply 
'inquire of a citizen the route to that wonderful "structure 
of granite and glass .''^ and, doubtless, would be referred 
unerringly to the proper one. 

The facade — composed almost wholly of granite and 
.glass from pavement to top — has an altitude of 152 feet, 



THE FAGIN BUILDING. 143 

I'oiiiprised in ten stories, the lower one being 21 1-2 feet in 
heioflit. The granite is in four st3'les of work : polished, 
rock-face, ten line cut and pointed. The facade displays 
thirty-eight highly polished circular columns, of different 
dimensions. Over the central colunnis, are granite globes. 
The base of the columns rest upon l)l()cks of pyramidal 
form, six feet in height and polished like a mirror. The glass 
is also varied in description : polished plate, discs and panes 
•of cathedral, ondoyant and diamond star glass, the three last 
in tinted colors and several thousand in number. The 
plate glass is of unusual size, some being 110x194 inches, 
and contain 149 square feet. The columns vary in diame- 
ter from 15 to 30 inches. They are found, in their com- 
posite positions, the full height of the facade. 

The tout ensemble of the front is picturesque and 
grand, whilst giving out the expression of great strength 
and beauty. Many blocks of rock-face granite in position, 
have a weight exceeding twelve tons. 

The foundations of the building are broad and deep, 
constructed of stone from the noted Grafton quarries. 
The bottom courses of [)iers, columns and walls are of sin- 
gle stones, eight feet in width. Their superstructure is 
in accordance with the massiveness of the base. All are laid 
in cement mortar. So broad and solid are these founda- 
tions and so unyielding the earth at their foot, that, not- 
withstanding the great weight of the mammoth super- 
structure, there has not been any settlement. This is 
proved by the mark at the pavement line. No expense was 
spared in the construction, to gain the greatest strength, 
solidity and security. 

The available space of the interior, is one million and 
fifty-two thousand feet, including the basement. 

The style of construction adopted bv the talented 
architect, has secured unlimited light, and is adapted to 
the highest demands of utility, whilst to the occupants it 



144 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



will be a perpetual pleasure. The stairways are constructed 
of iron, steel and slate. The building is eqiupped with two 
"Crane' elevators, of the latest description and improve- 
ments, enabling a speed of 600 feet per minute. Heating 
is by steam. The floors are of the modern "slow-burn- 
ing" construction, walls stuccoed, and the entire building 
is denominated fire-proof. 

The work of completion of the interior has reached 
a stage of advancement, where the proprietor rests, 
briefly, in order to adapt each story to the wishes or needs 
of tenants, who would lease for a term of years. The 
adaptations for use of this great building are various. It 
would compass the requirements of one large establish- 
ment in dry goods, fancy wares, hats, or other lines of 
business. Or for oflice rooms and halls. The top stories 
especially are magnificently lighted from the four sides, 
these — arranged in suites of apartments — would make the 
most eligible of "club" quarters. 

The first, or lower floor, is a truly splendid store room, 
over twenty feet in height. The ceiling is in beautiful 
wood, elaborately carved, finished in oil, and, blending with 
the rest of the work of this elegant hall room — in har- 
mony of materials and details — it is most attractive. 

The location of the Fagin Building is among the most 
eligible and valuable of any on Olive street, directly oppo- 
site the grand structure of the National Government (Post- 
office, Custom House, etc.), which cost the sum of six 
million dollars, and occupies an entire city block. 

Adjoining on the west is the superb building of the 
"Independent Order of Odd Fellows," just now being 
completed. 

Olive street is in the heyday of prosperity, and the 
Fagin Building is another star in its decoration, but is a 
diadem in the crown of its enterprising o^vner, and the 
capstone of his monument! This costly building is a 



THE LIONBERGER BUILDING. 



145 



marked attestation of that public spirited push which dis- 
tinguished him for the many years of his useful and honor- 
a,ble career when engaged in the commerce and develop- 
ment of this city. 



THK LIONHKHGER STOHE lUILDING. 

This building is one of the new structures erected for 
stores. It is not excelled by any, and equaled hy but few. 
It is situated on the south-west corner of Washington ayenue 




THK I.IONHKRGKU Uni.DING. 



and Eighth street. In all appointments which combine 
strength, utility and elegance it is admirable in a marked 
degree. 

The architecture is " Komanescjue," and the material 
brown " Kibbe " Massachusetts stone, rock-face and 
carved, of the fronts respectively on Washington avenue 
and Ninth streets. The building occui)ies 140 feet on the 
former, and 150 feet on the latter street. The front on 
St. Charles street is largely of St. Louis pressed brick. 
The height of the building is 100 feet, in seven stories, 



146 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

beside basement and sub-basement. The block is divided 
into two stores, one of 100x150 feet, and the other 40x150 
feet. 

The building is of the description styled " mill-con- 
struction," and "slow-burning," and is denominated fire 
proof. There are iron column "supports" in the first 
three, and wood column supports in the remaining stories. 
The iron columns are incased with hollow tiles. The fioor 
is of three inch yellow pine, covered M'ith water-proof 
paper, and one inch of maple or hard pine. The first and 
second stories are plastered, and the remainder painted. 
The roof is of composition materials. 

The elevators and stairways are inclosed within brick 
walls, and the doors leading to them are fire proof. A 
water tank is located on the roof. "Fire" plugs are placed 
on each floor, besides a permanent wrought iron stand-pipe 
for ready attachment of hose, and a fire escape — conveni- 
ently placed, which are all valuable adjuncts. There are five 
freight and two passenger hydraulic elevators. The build- 
ing is heated by steam, and lighted by both gas and elec- 
tricity, or either separately. Lavatories are placed on each 
floor. 

The cost of this admirable and model building com- 
pleted was $350,000.00. 

THE LACLEDE BUILDING. 

This fine new building stands on the south-west corner 
of Olive and Fourth streets, has a frontage on the latter 
i^f 116 feet, and on the former street of 127 feet, and is 
eight stories in height. The materials are Missouri Syenite 
granite, (both rock-faced and polished), iron, and the 
finest brick. The interior construction is of wrought iron 
filled in with hollow blocks. The exterior walls are lined on 
the inside with hollow brick, as a protection against heat 
and cold. The hall walls are of polished Berdillo marble and 



TUK HARH lUlLDING. 



147 




148 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

plate glass. The halls are arranged with ventilating shafts 
for rarifying the air, and to maintain a regular current, l)ut 
modulated against draught. They are tiled with marble 
throughout. And the ceilings in the halls of the lower 
stories are of polished marble. 

Many of the offices have handsome, open fire places. 
•Convenient lavatories are fitted in marble and porcelain in 
each story. A telegraph station is on the first floor, and 
four elevators, three of which are improved hydraulic. 
The interior design and finish are replete in utility, taste 
^nd elegance. In fine, the Laclede is one of the very best 
office buildings in the country. 

The Laclede Bank is located on the corner, ground floor, 
and its spacious offices are fitted up in the most eligible 
and superior manner. The Merchants' National Bank 
•occupies a portion of the Olive street front. 

This splendid structure is a very marked feature of 
Fourth street, and is a conspicuous adornment. 

THE liggp:tt-myeks building 

Covers an entire block of ground. It fronts 270 feet on 
Washington avenue, the same on St. Charles street, and 
150 feet each on Tenth and Eleventh streets ; it is seven sto- 
ries in height above the basement, and so planned that one 
tenant may occupy the wdiole as a single great establishment, 
or that it ma}^ be divided into several stores, as occasion 
may require . It is advancing towards early completion , and its 
prestige is magnificent. It wdll be fire proof throughout. 
The first two stories are constructed of Missouri Syenite 
granite, and the remaining five of St. Louis pressed brick, 
including those of diverse forms. The floor beams are of 
steel, on wdiich a floor of yellow pine will be laid seven 
inches in thickness, and on top of that a covering of one 
inch dressed maple. The number of spikes required for 
this great floor is a quai-ter million of 7>^ inches in length. 



LIGGETT-MYERS BUILDING. 



U9 



Miissivc cast iioii coliiiniis (ciicast'd witli'm hollow tile) 
support the interior. The .superior 8t. Louis-made plate 
<rlass — not excelled in elearnc.ss and strength by the best 
French make — tills all the window and door frames from 
iiascnicnt to top. The l)uildinix is provided with fire- 
escapes, numerous elevators and laxatories. 

This great building will be heated by steam and lighted 
by gas. The entire construction and finish of the massive 
l)l()ck is in a style of simple elegance, which adds greatly 
to its attractiveness. The wealthy proprietors have been 
unsparing of money in order to make of their l)lock one 
rarely (Mpuilled for utility and grandeur. The cost is esti- 
mated at $1H)(), ()()(). 00. It will l)e ready for occupancy 
the ensuing spring of 1889. 




STAI! rillMINC CO. lU' 1 1.1)1 N(i. 



150 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



THE ROSENHEIM BUILDING. 

This is a vciT tine wholesale business block, erected on the 
north-east corner of Ninth street and Washington avenue. 
It stands 130 feet on the former street, and 120 feet on the 
latter, and is seven stories in height. The materials used in 
the construction are Missouri Syenite granite, red sand- 
stone and St. Louis pressed brick. The interior construction 




liO.SEMlKlM mil, DIN (J 



is of the description termed "mill-method," having no floor 
joists, but instead are massive yelh)w pine girders, Avhich 
support cross beams running longitudinally, held by 
wrought iron stirrups and forming panels of 7x12 feet; 
the whole supported by strong and elegant pillars. 
The" floor is of three inch touijued and grooved vellow 



t)DD FELLOWS BlILDIXG. 151 



pine, and, on top a coyering of one inch maple. This 
forms an extremely ri^jid roof-floor, and would sustain a 
-very great weight. This method of construction is styled 
j<Io)r-hvrnmr/. This building presents a very handsome 
and imposing appciirancc. It may justly l)c considered one 
of the most tasteful business structures of the city, and is 
•deserving the encomium of a Model Building. 

THE GRAND Bl ILDING OF THE IXDHI'KXDKXT OHDER 
ODD FELLOWS. 

This magnificent l)uikling is nearly completed. It is 
•erected at the south-cast corner of Ninth and Olive streets, 
and faces the national buildings on the opposite side of the 
latter street. It is eight stories in height. At the east corner 
of the main front a tower — of graceful i)roportions — rises to 
the height of 281! feet ahove the pavement. The exterior 
materials are, forthe first story, Missouri Syenite granite, (in 
4Uternate rock-face and polished blocks, the latter are 
bright at? a miiTor), and the seven stories above are of the 
•superior home red pressed brick. The interior supports are 
iron and steel pillars and girders. The ceilings and parti- 
tions are completely fire proof. The entire construction 
is of the most massive and enduring sort. The founda- 
tions are deep set with huge blocks of gray granite. They 
iire capable of bearing greater weight than required by 
the supcrstruc.tiu"e. The edifice fronts 127 feet on Chest- 
nut, and 112 feet on Ninth street. 

A fine suite of rooms and Grand Hall of the Order, are 
on the top floor, and are as follows: CJrand Hall, (50x100 
feet fioor space, and 27 feet in height, besides two 
rooms adjoining. On other floors are two Lodge Halls, 
each 40xG0 feet, also four other Lodge Halls, each 
30x40 feet, together with ante-rooms. On the second 
floor of the building is located the Lil)rary of the 
Order, a handsome apartment, 20x60 feet, adjoining which 



152 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 




BROWN. DAICIIADAV iV" CO. \^)ii 

lis the office of the (iraiid Secretiiry of the (ii':iii(l Lo(l<:<' of 
tlie 8t:ite of Missouri, 'j'here are also coiiiuiittec rooms. 
The buihliiiir has in all seventv-two ofliee rooms. The 
urouiul floor is divided into two mairnitieent .store rooms. 
Two entrances to the upi>er stories are provided on first 
tloor. There are four hvdraulie elevators, and on each story 
a lavatory. The corridors are tiled with white marble, and 
the wainscottiuij is of (ieoriri'J ^ray and white marble. 
'i'lie buiidino- will be liuhte-d by electric jets, and heated by 
steam. It will l)e ready for occupancy May 1, 1889. The 
cost of this majrnificent biiildinir will be between $500,- 
.000.00 and $H00,()()0.00, exclusive of the ground, which is 
.amono- the mo>t \alual)le sites in the city. 

NKW LOCATION OF BHOWX, 1)AL(;HA1)AV .^ CO.MI'A.NV. 

This superior strur-ture, speeialJy designed for a whole- 
sale dry goods estal)Iishment, occupies the very eligible 
site on the south-east corner of Ninth and St. Charles 
streets. It is erected u[)(;n massive foundations, which 
were built, together with the elegant superstructure, and 
com[)letcd all within the short space of six months. The 
l»uilding occuijies an area of 112 feet of ground on Ninth, 
and 7(i feet on St. Charles street. It is seven stories in 
height above the pavement level, beh)W which is a tine 
basement salesroom. The building is admirably ar- 
ranged for liffht and convenience. Strenirth is a strikinjr 
feature. The plan and materials of the interior construc- 
tion is modern slow-burning — denominated tire proof. 
Two modern freight (devators are conveniently |)laced on 
the north side of the l)uil(ling, and one |)assenger (devator, 
on the east side, accommodates the current intercourse be- 
tween the first and seventh floors. 

The nniterial of the basement and first story is roi de- 
faced Missouri red granite. The additional six stories are 
i)f St. Louis j)ressed brick — including those of diverse and 



154 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 




BROWN, DAUGHADAY & CO. 



155 



ornamental forms. Tlic window caps and sills arc red sand- 
stone, carved and Hated. On the 8t. Charles street fronts 
iron columns are used in the second and third stories. 

This admirable buildin<r — the last to be finished prior 
to the recent New Year's day — of the considerable numl)er 
of fine business structures completed in IHSfS, and is a 
strikinsr ornament in the new business (juarter. 




Tirr 















rr If 



f; 



f? ff w 
rr rr n 



^Pf:; 



.R.rr 






rr 


ft tT 

jT.r 




rr r 


rr 




'ft 





TIIK I'Kl'KIJ 1$LII.I)IX(;. 



156 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAV, 




THE CITY OF ST. LOITS OF T()-I)AY. 



PART KIKTH. 



CHAPTEK I. 



The Educational Institutions of Saint Fouis. 



THK PUBLIC FREE SCHOOLS. 



"Anu'd, from the Thunderer's brow, 

Leaps forth each Thought of Litiht." — Srliiller. 



^^I^HE Educational Institutions, includintj tlie PuIjHc 

'Xs^lf^ Schools of St. Louis, arc not excelled l)v those 

^fr of any other city in thorough education, discipline 

^ and general advantages. The pupil may pass 
from the i)riniarv class through all the grades up to, and 
through the high and noniial schools without cost for 
tuition. 

The St. Louis system of Public Schools cnd)raccs a com- 
plete organization, h?ginning with the Kindergarten and 
ending with the free High and Nornud Schools. 

There are seventy-seven school f)rganizations in this 
.s>st»'m. \ai"ving in size from tlu* modest onc-i'oom school 



158 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

to the schools which occupy stately and imposing three- 
story edifices — having from twelve to twenty-four com- 
modious school rooms — with all the modern improvements 
for furnishing light, heat and ventilation. The Public 
School system includes four free Polytechnic evening 
schools, three of which have preparatory departments for 
instruction in the more elementary branches. 

Nearly forty-nine thousand pupils were enrolled in these 
schools during the last scholastic year, and were instructed 
b}^ eleven hundred and sixty-nine teachers. 

These schools occupy in all, one hundred and six Iniild- 
ings, varying in size to suit their respective localities. 

The lots of ground occupied hy these buildings are 
estimated at $827,()13.00, and the liuiklings and furniture 
$2,617,641,00, at moderate valuations. In addition, 
the Board of Public Schools controls realty valued at one 
and a quarter million dollars, held exclusively for the pro- 
duction of a permanent revenue. The income of that por- 
tion of this property which is leased, amounts to about 
sixty thousand dollars annually. 

The total revenue for school purposes, including a four 
mill city tax and the state school fund, amounts to over one 
million dollars annually. 

The course of study is broad and comprehensive, 
including within its requirements nearl}" all that can rea- 
sonably be expected; and, the methods of instruction and 
modes of discipline are such as have been generally recog- 
nized throughout this country as being among the best. 

These schools aim not only to give the best possible 
intellectual, moral and physical education, but to furnish 
the information most needed for gpod and successful citi- 
zenship. That these schools are appreciated by all classes 
of citizens, is attested by the character of their patronage : 
the enrollment includes the names of children from famir 



EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 159 

lies provided with aniple means, and from those in the- 
most moderate circumstanees. 

The school population June 1, 1885 (between the ages 
of six and twenty ), was 108,454, of which four and one-half 
per cent, were colored. The increase in three years, to 
June 1, 1888, is estimated to be 7,856, total 116,310.. 
^Slost pupils leave after a school attendance of four j'ears,. 
and few attend who are over fifteen years of age. In the 
last scholastic year, there were 20,558 children in attend- 
ance at schools other than public district schools. 

FINANCIAL POSITION AND ENDOWMENT OF THE FUBLIC 
FREE SCHOOLS. 

The President of the Board of Public Free Schools 
published in November, 1888, the o4tli Annual Peport, 
from ^vhich the following information is gleaned : The 
estimated resources of the School Board for the current 
year, which will end flune 30, 1889, is ascertained to be 
the sum of $1,047,000.00, and is derived severally, from 
taxation $884,000.00; state school funds $95,000.00; 
rents $58,000.00; and, interest on deposits and funded 
securities $10,000.00. 

From the revenue, the Board provided for the nniinte- 
nance of the schools, (including 47 new school rooms 
opened October, 1888); and besides added the sum of 
$60,000.00 to the building fund. Further, the Board 
retrenched expenses for the school year nearly $75,000.00, • 
and "without in any wise impairing the etHeiency of the 
schools." 

The Board had under its control several valuable par- 
cels of real estate, (which were not derived from the state- 
or national government ) : they were eligibly located, ad- 
vaneiug in xahie. and yielding revenue. These the Board 
deemed it adxisabh- to transfer to the Permanent Fun<L 



1<30 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

but at a reasonable vahiation, which ao^o^reg^ated the sum 
of $105,524.80. At the same time the Board possessed in 
its Permanent Fund and uninvested, upwards of one hun- 
dred thousand dollars. Also, the Board appropriated to 
its Buildinof fund, from the revenues of 1887-'88, the fur- 
ther sum of $(U, 444.00. 

The President states the ver>^ interesting fact, that the 
School Board is the largest single real estate owner in the 
city. Aside from its proprietorship of school lots, build- 
ings and tixtures — which aggregate nearly five million dol- 
lars at the prime, or original cost, (but now of considera- 
bly larger value) — it is the owner of what is termed " rev- 
enue real estate," of an estimated value of $1,200,000.00. 
nearly all of which belongs to the Permanent Fund ; the 
revenue onh' of which can be used for school purposes, 
since the principal sum is required, under the law, to be 
maintained without impairment. 

In consecjuence of the movement of the resident popu- 
lation further Avestward, the Board is warranted in recom- 
mending the sale of several special pieces of property, 
which are near the east end of the city, and with the 
proceeds thereof to establish new schools in more conven 
lent locations. 

PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 

A few of these are named, as follows : Acade- 
my of the Christian Brothers, Loretta Academy, St. 
•Joseph's Academy, St. Vincent's Academy, St. Louis 
University, Washington University, including Smith's 
Academy, Mary Institute, Henry Shaw School of Botany, 
-School of Fine Arts, Law School, Manual Training School, 
'College and Polytechnic School. 

Concordia Seminary, American Medical College, Mis- 
souri Medical College, Missouri School of Midwiferv, St. 



EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 



161 



Louis Medical College, St. Louis College of Plnsicians 
and Surgeons, St. Louis Post (Jraduate School of Medi- 
cine, St. Louis College of Phannac}', Homeopathic Medi- 
cal College of Missouri, Missouri Dental College, Mound 
City Commercial College, School of Short Hand and Tele- 
graphy, Institute of Architects, Missouri School for the 
Blind, Women's Training School, besides numerous other 
Educational and traininsf schools. 




CONCOHD'IA COLLEGE. 



162 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 




ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY. 163 



CHArXEK 11. 



SAINT LOIIS IXIVKHSnV. 



This noted institution — the most venerable of the Tedu- 
■cational institutions of this city — was founded in 1H21>, and 
received its charter in 1(S34. The site of the university, 
prior to July, 1888, was on Ninth street and Washinofton 
avenue. The new site — two miles further west, following 
population — is grand for elevation and surroundings. It is 
upon a block of ground fronting on- Grand avenue 446 
feet, by a dei)th, on Lindell and Baker avenues, of 8()() feet. 

The institution is under the management of the Jesuit 
Fathers. In the course of studies, the ancient classics 
hold a prominent place. Mental philosophy, physics, 
chemistry, astronomy and surveying, are a part of the 
regular course, which comprises seven years. Lectures 
on the sciences are illustrated with experiments. An am- 
ple laboratory is provided for the students in chemistry. 

A past-graduate department is connected with the in- 
stitution. The lectures of this course are delivered upon 
evenings. 

Al)out 400 students are in daily attendance. Classes 
open at 9 o'clock a. m., and continue, with slight inter- 
mission, till 2: 30 P.M. Since 1881, boarding students 
have not been received. 

The Library and ^Museum halls are mo(h'l apartments 
of their kind. The Library is 50 by 79 feet in length and 
breadth, and 67 feet in height. It comprises an open 
quadrangle, is covered by a glass roof ; and has three wide 



164 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



galleries, which are reached by iron stairwa^ys. The Li- 
brary is accessible from two floors of the building. It 
contains 30,000 volumes, many of which are rare editions 
of Latin folios, of the earlier years succeeding the discov- 
ery of the art of printing. 

The Museum is a single hall. Its dimensions are 58 
by 98 feet in length and breadth, and 52 feet in height. 
It is crowned by an elaborate roof, which affords suitable 
light. Costly paintings adorn its walls. 

The corner of the spacious site, on Lindell and Grand 
avenues, was reserved for a church — Saint Xavier's. This 
edifice has not been completed, but services have been held 
in the ample basement since November, 1884. 

The university buildings are admirably planned and 
constructed. Their appearance, on approaehing them, is 
most imposing. They cost, without the ground, the sum 
of about three hundred thousand dollars. 




S. W. CORNER ELEVENTH STREET AND WASHINGTON A^'E. 



WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY. 165 

WASHINGTON UNIVHKSITY. 

This iu.stitutiou — proniiiieut ;uih)ii<j; the educational 
foundations of this city — of distinguished merit and useful- 
ness, was established in the City of St. Louis by Act of In- 
corporation of the State of Missouri, Feb. 22d, 1853. 
It intended to embrace the whole range of universit}'' 
studies, except Theology, and to afford opportunity of 
<!omplete preparation for ever}' s})here of practical and 
scientitic life. 

The following is condensed from the annual cataloijue 
of the institution, and is of such special interest as to well 
■deserve the space given : 

THE UNIVERSITY 

COMPREIIKNDS: 

I. . UNDERGKADUATE DEPAR TMENT; INCLUDING THE COL- 
' LEGE AND POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL. II. HENRY SHAAV 
SCHOOL OF BOTANY. III. ST. LOUIS SCHOOL 
OF FINE ARTS. IV. ST. LOUIS LAAV SCHOOL. 

"The following schools have also been organized under 
the charter of the University : 

I. SMITH ACADEMY. 
II. MANUAL TRAINING SCHOOL. 
III. MARY INSTITUTE. 

"The present members of the Corporation have no sec- 
tarian i)urpose to serve. They earmestly desire that the 
University shall attain a high moral and religious charac- 
ter, as a Christian institution in a Christian rcjjublic ; but 
they erjually desire that the narrow principles of secta- 
riasism, and party spirit may never be allowed to enter. 
The exercises of the University are opened everv morning 
in the chapel by reading the Scriptures and singing. 

"On the 22d of April, 1857, the formal inauguration of 
Washington University took })Iac(' with api)ropriate exer- 

10 



166 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



cises in Univer.sity Hall. An oration was delivered by Hon^ 
Edward Everett, in the Mercantile Library Hall. An ad- 
vanced scientific class was organized at that time. The 
Academy had then been in operation about five years. 
The College and Mary Institute Avere organized in 1859,. 
and the first Senior Class was graduated from the College 
in June, 1862, The Law School was organized in 1867. 




^ IS w «? r I I ^ 













WASinXGTON UNIVERSITY. (ONE Ol THE FIVE BUILDINGS) . 

The Polytechnic School was fully organized in 1870, the 
School of Fine Arts and the Manual Training School in, 
1879, and the School of Botanv in 1885. 



washington university. 167 

pkesp:nt financial condition. 

"The tinanc-ial foiulition of the University has been very 
materially improved during the past year by the addition to 
its various^ermanen^ funds of over $200,000.00. Its property 
now consists of real estate and l)uildings in actual use for 
educational purposes (unincumbered), costing over $(J2o,- 
000.00; of Libraries, Scientitic Apparatus, Laboratories, 
Casts, Architectural Models, Machinery and other personal 
property in actual use in the various departments costing 
over $1(30,000.00, and of investments for revenue in real 
and personal estate, derived from general and special 
endowments, amounting to over $(150,000.00; giving an 
assured permanence to the Institution, and the guaranty of 
a wise, conservative, thorough and prudent administration 
of the trust which has been committed to the Board of Di- 
rectors. 

"Several departments of the Universit}', however, are 
still inadequately endowed to meet the large demands of 
an institution of this character in the heart of the Missis- 
sippi Valley. 

LAW SCHOOL. 

"The Law Department of Washington University, also 
known as the St. Louis Law School, was opened Sep- 
tember 16, 1867, and is now in its twenty-second year of 
successful operation. 

"Its establishment Avas not only part of the necessary 
development of the University, but was deemed peculiarly 
ai)pr()[)rintc to a great and growing city, offering through 
the number, variety and importance of the (juestions 
adjudicated in its tribunals, unsurpassed advantages for 
combining practical instruction with theoretic study of 
the law. During nine months in the year, beside the ordi- 
nary municipal and inferior courts, are in almost uninter- 



168 



ST. LOUIS or TO-DAY. 




WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY. 169 

rupted session the Circuit jukI District Courts of the 
United States, taking cognizance of questions in Admiralty, 
Eevenue and Bankrupt Law, beside causes at Common 
Law and in Ecpiity ; also the Circuit and Criminal Courts 
of the State, and the St. Louis Court of Appeals — in one 
or other of which are constantly illustrated the learning 
and practice of every department of American jurispru- 
dence. 

"The school is o})en upon cMjual terms to students from 
all parts of the United States, and the course of instruction 
is intended to prepare them for the practice of the profes- 
sion in any part of the L^nited States. Beside the doc- 
trines and principles of law applicable alike in all the states 
and territories, it will embrace pleadin<r and procedure in 
the Federal as well as State courts, and under the common- 
hiw system and that of the new codes, in all their general 
features. 

"Students who have already determined the State in 
which they expect to practice will receive assistance, if de- 
sired, in studying the procedure and statutes of that State 
in connection with the general course of study. It is be- 
lieved that such attention to positive law, in any form in 
w^hich it is actually administered, not only will not interfere 
with the study of principles, but will be a great assistance 
to that end, and for that reason we recommend students to 
pursue it whenever })ossible. 

" It is the single aim of the Law Faculty, and of the Di- 
rectors of \^'ashington University, to make this Law School 
a true School of Jurisprudence, to which none shall be dis- 
posed to come except those who earnestly seek a thorough 
elementary knowledge of the law, and from which none 
who may come with that purpose shall go away disappointed. 
To ensure the i)erpetual maintenance of its course, and by 
the generous public spirit of a few friends, an endowment 
now amounting to seventy-seven thousand dollar.^ has ])eeu 



170 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

given, and invested in good securities in the name of Wash- 
ington University, in trust for the perpetual support of the 
Law Department ; the interest, of such fund to be used for 
that purpose. It is hoped that this fund will be enlarged 
hy other gifts until a complete endowment of one hundred 
and fifty thousand dollars is obtained. 

"The Directors of Washington University, have met this 
noble gift in a like spirit, by formally dedicating to the use 
of the Law Department rent free, forever, the building 
now occupied by the Law School. No. 1417 Lucas Place, 
standing upon its own grounds, with a frontage of one 
hundred feet upon Lucas Place, the most convenient and 
pleasant location in the city for such an institution." 

ST. LOUIS SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS. 

REORGANIZED MAY 22, 1879. 

"The establishment of an Art School upon a broad and 
permanent foundation has always been a part of the plan 
of Washington University. For twenty-five years art in- 
struction has been embodied in the course of study. In 
1875, special students were admitted to the Drawing 
Department, and class and public lectures were given on 
Art History. The same year an evening school was 
opened. 

"On May 22d, 1879, the Directors of the University 
adopted an ordinance establishing a Department of Art in 
Washington University, from which the following extracts 
are taken : 

' "A Department of Art is hereby established as a special 
Department of Washington University, to be known as 
The St. Louis School of Fine Arts. 

' " The objects of said Department shall be : Instruction 
in the Fine Arts; the collection and exhibition of pictures, 
statuary, and other works of art, and of whatever else may 



WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY. 171 

bo of artistic interest and api^ropriatc for a PuMie GulleiT 
or Art Museum ; and, in general, the promotion by all 
proper means of .vsthetic or artistic education." ' 

••The rooms are open for the study of drawing, })aint- 
ing. and modeling, every day from J* a. .m. to f) p. m,, and 
for the study of drawing from the anticpie and life, me- 
chanical drawing, and modeling, three evenings in the 
week, from November to May. 

''The school furnishes instruction in Drawing, Modeling, 
Painting, Artistic Anatomy, Persjiective, Composition, and 
Architectural and Mechanical Drawing. 

"Students nuiy enter any class upon submitting exam- 
ples of work showing the necessary skill. Applicants for 
admission to the evening Life Class must submit a drawing 
■of a full length tigure from the Anticpie or Life. 

"The school is fully cijuipped with models, casts from 
the Anti(]ue, etc. 

"There are seven tine studios, all well lighted, and excel- 
lentl}' adapted to the purposes of the school. 

"The artists connected with the school as teachers have 
received their training in the Art Schools of Europe. 

"Instruction in all classes of the school is individual. 
Advancement of each student depends on the degree of 
proficiency only. Students are at liberty to work as nmch 
or as little as they desire between the hours of 9 a. m. and 
5 r. M. 

"Tests of the students' progress are held at the end of 
each semestre; students are re(]uired to make a drawing 
within a limited time from sul)ject assigned, and without 
the assistance or advice of instructor. These test draw- 
ings are submitted to the examination of a committee of 
<'ompetent judges appointed for the purpose, who decide 
upon the merits of each individual drawing. 

"The museum of the school, in its various collections, 
affords rare opportunities for study. The sculpture gal- 



172 



ST. LOUI& OF TO-DAY. 



leries contain examples of work illustrating the different 
periods of art history, from Egj^ptian art at the time of 
Amenophis III, to Italian art at the time of Michael Angelo. 




"Among the 
m ore important 
works of Greek 
art may be men- 
tioned casts from 
the orio^inal mar- 
bles of the groups 
taken from the 
w^est pediment of 
the Temple of 
^gina, now in 
the Glyptothek, 
Munich ; the cele- 
brated Hermes, 
with the infant 
D i o n y s o s , b y 
Praxiteles, discov- 
ered at Olympia 
in 1877, the original marble 
n(nv at Athens: selections 
from the Elgin marbles in the 
British Museum, comprising 
the Frieze of the Parthenon 
(west side), a Caryatid from the original taken from the 
Temple of Pandrosos on the Acropolis at Athens, and the 
Metopes from the Parthenon; the Flying Victory, original 



EXTRANCK TO MUSEUM. 



ST. LOUIS SCHOOL OF FINE ART. 



173? 



now in Athens, discovered at Olj'mpia in IHTf) ; and the 
Laocoon group. 

"German art of the XV century is represented hy the 
masterpieces of Peter Vischer 
and Veit Stoss. The great work 
hy Peter Vischer, the Shrine of 
St. Sebaid, in the Church of St. 
Sebald, Nuremberg, is represent- 
ed by a cast from the original, 
and is the only reproduction of 
this great work in America. The 
justly celebrated statue, The 
Praying INIary, by Veit Stoss, in 
the Germanic Museum, Nurem- 
berg, is among the most refined 
worjvs of German art of this 
period. 

"Italian art of the Renaissance _ 

period, is represented l)y Avorks 
of Donatello, Michael Angelo 
and (ihiberti. The (iates of the 
Baptistery at Florence, the greatest work 
of Lorenzo (Thil)erti, are placed near the 
Shrine of St. Sebald to afford the stu- 
dent an opportunity of comparing the two 
works of art in metal by these masters of 
the Italian and (Jerman schools. 

"Michael Angelo is represented by the 
well known figures of the two slaves, 
from the originals in the Louvre, the 
]Madonna of Bruges, and the unfinished 
bas-relief of the Virgin and the Child, 
taken from the original work in the Royal 
Academy, London. Donatello's St. George and the 




HKI.L I'UI.I, (WKOUGHir 
IKON) XVI CKNTUKY. 



174 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



Singing Children represent an earlier phase of the Italian 

school. 

" The nuiseum and school collections of casts combined, 
number three hundred and forty-iive 
pieces, and are supplemented by a 
series of plates (numbering 1041) 
made from the collections of the 
British Museum described more fully 
elsewhere. 

"The collection of oil paintings in 
the picture galleries includes Harry 
Thompson's "Shepherdess," Luigi 
Loir's "P^nd of Autumn," Beyle's 
" Parting Kiss," Vely's " Love and 
Riches," Washington Alston's "Paul 
and Silas in Prison," several works 
by Charles Wimar, the celebrated 
painter of Indian life, and many other 
works. Besides these, there are 
alwaj s on exhibition many works lent 
by friends of the institution. 

"The picture galleries also contain 
a collection of modern works in water 
color, and black and white. In the 
latter class the museum is especially 
fortunate in possessing a collection of 
works selected by Mr. W. Lewis 
Fraser, showing the various methods 
employed by well known American 
artists in illustrative work. 

"Several hundred autotype repro- 
ductions from sketches, studies and 
paintings, by celebrated masters, 

from the XV Century to the present time afford 

students ample opportunity to familiarize themselves with 




CLOCK CASK AND DIAL- 
XVI CKNTUUY. 



ST. LOUIS SCHOOL OF FINE ART. 



175 



the leadino: characteristics of the various schools of 
paiutinir. 

" Tiic northern iralleries contain many objects of art 

workmanship in wood, 
iron (both wrought and 
cast), bronze, jrokl and 
silver, ivory, glass, and 
exam})lesin various wares. 
"Among the examples 
of metal work are re- 
productions in wrought 
iron from rare work of 
the XVI Century; also in 
cast iron, various objects 
selected from collections 
of note in European mu- 
seums. In the room 
devoted to wood carv- 
i n g s , representative 
French and German 
work of various peri- 




HAND BASIX — XVI CEXTCUY, 



ods. original and reproduced, show to the student methods 
of applying art knowledge to objects of every day use." 



176 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 




MANUAL TRAINING SCHOOL. 177 



MA^fUAL TRAINING SCHOOL. 

« KSTAIIMSIIKI) .H'NK (>, lS7'.t. 

"4Iail to the skillful c-unniu<i Ilaiul! 
Hail to the cultured Mind! 
Contendin<i for the world's commaud, 
Here let tliem be combined I" 

The Ordinance establishing the school, declares: 

* " Its object shall be instruction in mathematics, draw- 
ing, and the English branches of a high-school course, and 
instruction and practice in the use of tools. The tool 
instruction, as at present contemijlated, shall include car- 
pentry, wood-turning, pattern-making, iron chipping and 
filing, forge work, brazing and soldering, the use of ma- 
<'hine shop-tools, and such other instruction of a similar 
character as may be deemed advisable to add to the fore- 
going from time to time. 

* "The students will divide their working hours, as nearly 
as possible, equally between mental and manual exercises. 
They shall be admitted, on examination, at not less than 
fourteen years of age, and the course shall continue three 
years. 

SCHOLARSHIPS. 

"The founders of the school desire that the advantages 
of this school shall be within the reach of boys from 
every class in the community. From tifty to sixty free, or 
partially free, scholarships will, tlierfore, be kept tilled. 
It is desirable that they should in general be given as 
rewards of merit to promising boys in straitened circum- 
stances. 

"Boys who can produce records of good character and 

^scholarship, but whose circumstances render it i)ractically 

impossible for them to })ay the tuition fees of the school, 



178 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

are invited to write the Director, or to get some friend to 
write for them. In such cases the occupation of the 
father should be given. It must not be assumed, however, 
that because application is made a scholarship will always 
be given ; the number of scholarships may be full, or it 
may be thought that the applicant is not entitled to special 
consideration. 

"Persons desiring to found scholarships are referred to 
the members of the Board of Managers, or to the Di- 
rectors. 

FROM REGULATIONS. 

" Boys are expected to be earnest, faithful, truthful and 
polite. Every one is expected to do his best promptly and 
cheerfull}^ under all circumstances. 

"Pupils whose influence is found to be bad are dismissed ; 
and those who fail to make good progress in. their work 
after reasonable trial are required to withdraw. 

THE WORK. 

^^AIl shop work is disciplinary ; special trades are not 
taught, nor are articles manufactured for sale; as a rule, 
the products of the shop have no value except as exercises, 
illustrating typical forms and methods. 

" The object of the school is education, and none of the 
class exercises, whether in the shop, the drawing or the 
recitation room, can be supposed to have any pecuniary 
value. The most instructive tasks have no outcome except 
in the intelligence and skill of the student himself. 

' ' The shop training is gained by regular and carefully 
graded lessons designed to cover as much ground as possi- 
ble, and to teach thoroughl}' the use of ordinary tools » 
This does not imply the attainment of sufficient skill to 



MANUAL TRAINING SCHOOL. 17& 

produce cither the tine work or exhil)it the rapidity of a 
skilled mechanic. 

DIGNITY OF INTELLIGENCE IN LABOR. 

"One great object of the school is to foster a higher 
appreciation of the value and dignity of intelligent labor, 
and the worth and respectability of laboring men. A boy 
who sees nothing in manual labor but mere brute force, 
despises both the labor and the laborer. With the acqui- 
sition of skill in himself, comes the ability and willingness 
to recognize skill in his fellows. When once he aj^preci- 
ates skill in handicraft, he regards the skillful workman 
with sympathy and respect. 

"Again, it is highl}^ desirable that a larger proportion of 
intelligent and well-educated youth should devote their 
energies to manual pursuits, or to the development of me- 
chanical industries, both for their OAvn sakes, and for the 
sake of the occupations and society. 

THE RESULTS OF EXPERIENCE. 

"The school is now in its tenth year. From the start it 
has been well patronized, and vacant seats have been few. 
The enrollment shows a steady increase. The zeal and 
enthusiasm of the students have been developed in a most 
gratifying degree, extending into all the dei)artmcnts of 
work. The variety afforded by the daily program has had 
the moral and intellectual effect expected, and an unusual 
degree of sober earnestness has been shown. The whole- 
some moral effect of a course of training which interests 
and stimulates the ardor of the student is most marked. 
Parents observe the beneficial influence of ocaipation. The 
suggestions of the day fill the mind Mith healthy thoughts 
and appetites during the leisure hours. Success in draw- 
ing or shop-work has often had the effect of arousing tiie 



ISO 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY, 



:ambition in mathematics and history, and vice versa. Grad- 
ually the students acquire two most valuable habits which 
are certain to influence their whole lives, namely: precision 
and method. 

"Finally, the school has served to demonstrate the entire 
feasibility of incorporating the elements of intellectual and 
manual training in such a way that each is the gainer 
thereby. Lastly, it is most gratifying, that this school 
has met the public demand for such an education which, 
while it insures the most valuable mental discipline, im- 
parts at the same time knowledge and skill of great intrin- 
sic worth." 




COL 1!TS OF CltlMIXAL CORKECTION. 



LIBRARIES OF ST. LOUIS. 181 



CHAPTER III. 



thp: lierari?:s of saint louis. 



<Opeu trcatsure liouses of pure gold ! 



THE SAINT LOUIS PUBLIC LIBKARY. 



•'All tluit mankiud has doue, thought, gaiued or been — it is lying in 
arragic proservatiou iu the pages of books." — T. Carhjle. 



The Public Library is a public treasury and fountain 
from which all may partake and become opulent in wisdom. 
•St. Louis is fortunate indeed in the possession of such a 
library. It ministers daily to the needs of a hungry popu- 
lation pining for knowledge, and whose thirst is assuaged 
at its well-s[)ring. This library was founded by the Board 
of Public Schools, and it exists and flourishes under the 
same fosteriug care. The library contains seventy thous- 
and volumes of choice books in every department of knowl- 
edge, science and literature. 

The Juvenile Department is a special feature. It com- 
prises 4,000 volumes by the best authors, selected with a 
view to aid in the mental and moral development of child- 
ren. A taste for good reading in childhood and youth, 
•cannot fail to develop a higher standard of character and 
usefulness in mature life. 

11 



182 ' ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



The Reading Room is supplied with 55 newspapers from 
all parts of North America, and important points in Europe,, 
Asia, Africa and Australia, and 115 other periodicals, in- 
cluding the illustrated weeklies, the most attractive jour- 
nals, and the best scientific and literary magazines, do- 
mestic and foreign. 

The membership fee is the nominal charge of $1.00' 
per year to pupils of the public schools ; $2.00 to residents 
of the city, and $3.00 to non-residents. Strangers may 
call for any book in the library and consult it there free of 
charge. The public reading room is free to all persons, 
whether citizens or strangers. The library is well con- 
ducted, and courteous attention is extended to all callers. 

The Public Library is kept in the Polytechnic Build- 
ing, which occupies the south-west corner of Chestnut and 
Seventh streets. This fine structure is owned by the 
Board of Public schools, and ivS the headquarters of the 
Board. It was completed in 1867 at a co^t of $450,000.00. 

The Librarian, Mr. Frederick M, Crunden, who is an ac- 
complished scholar, says in. his report for 1887: "Very 
aptly the Public Library is termed the People's University.. 
It takes students of an}^ age or stage of advancement, it has 
courses adapted to the varjdng needs and capacities of 
every man, woman and child.. By its aid the poor boy who 
is compelled to leave school at 12 years of age, may be at 
25 a better educated and better informed man than the 
majority of college graduates. Having acquired the barest 
rudiments and a desire for knowledge, the Public Library 
provides him with all facilities for a thorough education at 
an inappreciable cost to the State. That school curriculum 
is incomplete which does not embrace some introduction to 
the best literature, and that teacher falls short of his high- 
est usefulness who does not show his pupils that there are 
other books than those of their task- work, who does not 
inspire them with a love for good readmg, who does not. 



MERCANTILE LIBRARY. 183 



lead them to the door of the Public Libniry and explain to 
them that the highest aim of their ^seliool course is to sfive 
them the kevs to that treasure house of knowledge and 
power." 

The same authority, speaking of the Public Librar}^ 
in his report for the year 1888, issued in December, says: 
" The Public Library, in short, is being more and more 
recognized as an essential adjunct and supplement to the 
common-school system, as an important factor in civiliza- 
tion, and as one of the most potent agencies in the enlight- 
enment of the [)eople, on which must depend the safety of 
the State, and the welfare of its citizens." 



THE MEKCAXTILE LIBRAKY ASSOCIATION 

Has ever been an object of deep interest, and has received 
the most devoted care, involving the active and liberal sup- 
port of merchants and other citizens, from its earliest in- 
ception and founding to the present time. On January 
8th, 1889, the forty-third anniversary ^vas held in the new 
library building — just completed and opened. 

Mr. John M. Dyer, the able and efficient Librarian, 
most devoted to his task of transferring the treasures 
under his care to the new library, w^as greeted by the Pres- 
ident and Board with high commendation for his excellent 
work. 

It was the most enthusiastic assembly known to the 
friends of the library in many years. Their delight grew 
from tiie cheerful outlook, since never in tlu> history of the 
library has it been so pronounced. 

The Mercantile Library Association was formed — under 
its present name — April 9th, 184(). A few months later it 
was organized unilcr a constitution, and o[)ened with a 



184 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 




MEllCANTILE I.I15KAUY BUILDING. 



LIBRARIES AND THEIR LOCATIONS. 185 



library of 1,()S() volumes, since when it hiis grown to 
seventy-one thousand I The Association possesses a num- 
ber of valuable works of art in paintings, statuary and 
basso relievos. 

In 1851, the Association purchased the present site, 
upon which they early* erected a building of large size and 
special utility for those times. It served its purposes until 
no longer suited to the rapidly growing needs for more 
space, and for the i)reservation of its treasures of litera- 
ture and art within the walls of a tire-proof structure. The 
Association is now in full occupancy of its new library 
])uilding, erected upon the original site at a cost exceeding 
$350, 000. 00. That portion not occupied by the Library 
Halls, yields an annual rental of forty thousand dollars. 

The editice is six stories in height above the pavement, 
and the basement is protitabh' utilized. The architecture 
is -Romanesque; the exterior walls are of Missouri red 
granite, St. Louis fine pressed brick — plain and orna- 
mental — and presents a very handsome appearance. The 
building fronts 128 feet on Locust, and 114 feet on Sixth 
street. It is fire proof, and first-class in all materials and 
construction. The library halls are of a height of twenty 
feet. In appearance they are most inviting, and are both 
grand and beautiful. In plan, arrangements and furnish- 
ings they are adapted to convenience and eligibility in 
every particular; in ventilation and light they are ad- 
mirable, whilst at night they are illuminated with the most 
approved electro incandescent lights. 

The favored fortunes of this popular institution have 
followed it closely down to the present era of the inaugu- 
ration of its magnificent new home, which in size will ac- 
commodate the wants of another generation. The original 
site cost $25,500.00, about thirty-five j'cars since, and is 
Avorth to-day, without the improvements, fully three hun- 
dred thousand dollars. 



186 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

OTHER LIBRARIES. 

The libraries of Washington University and St. Louis 
University are extensive and very vahiable ; besides, there 
are others of vahie belongino; to literary and other societies. 

The library of the "St. Louis Bar Association" con- 
tains 12,000 volumes of standard authors. Of private 
libraries belono-ino- to citizens of culture and literary 
tastes, it is estimated there are one hundred of note, some 
of which are extensive and very valuable.* 

LIST OF LIBRARIES AND THEIR LOCATION. 

The Mercantile Library Association, Sixth, corner of 
Locust street. 

Public, Polytechnic Building, Chestnut, corner of Sev- 
enth street. 

Law Association, south wing of the Court House. 

St. Louis Law School, 1417 Lucas Place. , 

St. Louis University, Grand avenue, opp. Pine street. 

St. Louis Diocesan, 1519 Chestnut street. 

St. Louis Turnverein, Turner's Hall, Tenth street, 
l)etween Market and Walnut streets. 

The Odd Fellows' Association, Chestnut, S. E. corner 
of Ninth street. 

The Young Men's Christian Association, Circulating, 
2835 Pine street. 

The Young Men's Sodality, Washington avenue, corner 

of Ninth street. 

The Young Ladies' Sodality, Washington avenue, cor- 
ner of Ninth street. 

St. John's Circulating, Sixteenth, N. W. corner of Chest- 
nut street. 

National Library Association, 304 N. Eighth street. 

Slavansa Lipa (Bohemian), 1811 S. Eighth street. 

* Note.— The sense of appreciation of the eligibility of : t. Louis for holding 
national assemblies, is being constantly attested by the large number of conven- 
tions held at this city. And, now it is the "Annual Conference of the American 
Library Association," which embraces ail the Libraries of note in the United States 
And Canada, will be held here in May next, 1H89.— Author. 



LITERATURE, AUTHORSHIP, ART. 187 

CHAPTER IV. 

LITERATURE, AUTHORSHIP AND ART AT ST. LOlIS. 



" Our echoes roll from soul to soul, 

And grow forever and forever." — Tenniisun. 



Ill St. Louis a vciT marked proclivity toward author- 
ship in literary work has obtained in later years, and the 
nuiuher of cultured writers is not iiic()nsideral)le in gen- 
eral literature, the sciences and tiction ; the larger num- 
ber are essayists and writers for magazines. A few 
of these are notable, but a small number have gained 
celebrity.* Within fifty years this city has developed as 
many as five hundred writers and authors, some of whom 
were, and are above mediocre ability. 

THE SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS 

Has a large patronage. Its yearly work developes an in- 
creasing taste for art culture among the people of this city 
and surrounding territory, and draws numerous delighted 
pupils. 

THE MEMORIAL ART BUILDING 

Was built by a numificent merchant, now deceased, who 
dedicated it, together with treasures in art, to the 
memory of a favorite son, who died earl3\ It contains a 
large number of rare works of art, in statuary and paint- 
ings, etc., selected from different schools and periods of 
art hi.story, many of which were obtained at a large cost. 
These attractive galleries are open daily to the public. On 



* Note. — In llction, the most noted autlior ii< Miss Murfree. — Author. 



188 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



Saturdaj^s and Sundays, from one o'clock p. m., they are 
free. The memorial art building, is on the north-east cor- 
ner of Lucas Place and Nineteenth street. This handsome 
structure is of Missouri gray granite, fire proof,, and cost 
$135,000.00, including the site. 

ARTISTS, AND ART COLLECTIONS. 

St. Louis has given birth to, and been the adopted! 
home of a number of painters and sculptors of distin- 
guished merit,* some of whom survive and are still resi- 
dents. A few private collections — oAvned by citizens of 
taste and wealth — contain rare paintings of great value. 



NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS OF ST. LOUIS. 



" Beneath the rule of meu entirely g;reat, 
The pen is mightier than the sword, 
The arch enchanter's wand — " 

■ — E. Lytton Bulwer. 



ENUMERATION OF NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS PUB- 
LISHED AT THE CITY OF SAINT LOUIS 
IN THE YEAR 1889. 



There are of daily publications, 11; of weekly, Q2; 
of semi-weekly, 3; of tri-weekly, 1; of semi-monthly, 4; 
of monthly, 42; and of semi-monthly, 2. Whole num- 
ber, 125.t 



* Note.— Miss Sarah M. Peale was a popular painter of portraits at St. Lonis 
from 1847 to 1878. Portraits of Daniel Webster and Thomas H. Benton, from her 
pencil, are in the collection of the Mercantile Library. And, Miss Harriet Hosmer 
may be claimed as belonging to the Art History of St. Louis, having been a student 
here when in her nineteenth year. Two beautiful works by her are to be found in 
this city : (Enone, and Beatrice Cenci, one of them owned by the Art Museum, and 
the other by the Mercantil ■ Library Association. 

Robert M. Bringhurst is yet a young man, but is of recognized ab lity in painting 
and modeling. His latest work is the statue of Gen. U. S. Grant, in this citj.— Author. 



t Note.— Several of the daily newspapers publish weekly, semi-weekly and tri- 
weekly editions of their paper, all which are counted as distinct publications.— 
Author. 



NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS. 



189 



Of these, 105 were in the English language; 18 in the 
German; 1 in the Spanish; and one in Bohemian. 

^Nlanv of these pul)]ications are devoted to advertisings 
politics, home and general news, and some ex<-lusi\(dy to- 
literature. But, 21 were published in the interest of reli- 
gion, 1 in the interest of 
the colored race ; 7 were 
devoted to medicine, 1 
to medicine and surgery, 

1 to surgery, 1 to hom- 
eopathy, 1 to dentistry, 

2 to law, 1 to music, 3 to 
education, 1 to photog- 
raphy, 1 to mining, 1 to 
iron products, 1 to lum- 
ber, 1 to shoes and leath- 
er, 2 to furniture, 1 to 
machinery, 1 to farm 
machinery, 3 to agricul- 
ture, 3 to flour milling, 1 to merchandise, 1 to groceries, 1 
to drugs, 1 to tobacco, 1 to stoves and hardware, 1 to jew- 
elry, 1 to ti-ade and traffic, 1 trade record, 1 to building 
trades, 1 to building associations, 1 to insurance, 1 to rail- 
roads, 1 to sporting news, and 1 to poultry raising, 

Many of these journals hold a high rank in their re- 
spective spheres of work. The editorial ability eini)l()yed 
upon the journals published here, is e(]ual to that of other 
cities, which alone is sufficient commendation. But, the 
active enterprise of the conductors of several of the daily 
newspapers of this city, surpasses that of almost any other 
city of the United States, especially in the size of their 
daily editions and volume of distribution. 




190 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



CHAPTER V. 

THE CHURCH DENOMINATIONS OF SAINT LOUIS.* 



Most of the denominations of Christians found in 
other American cities, are represented here. There 
are of the Baptist denomination, 22, three of which 
are German, and seven colored; Christian, 4; Con- 




IKMl'LE ISK.VEL. 



gregationalist, 13 ; Episcopalian, 15, one of which is colored ; 
•German Evangelical, 14; English Evangelical Lutheran, 
1; German Evangelical Lutheran, 12; Methodist 
Episcopal, 17, of which 3 are German and 1 Sw^edish ; 
M. E. Church, South, 8 ; New Jerusalem, 3 ; Presbyterian, 



* NOTE.--In various portions of this book may be touiul plates of numerous 
-church editiaes.-- Author. 



CHURCH DENOMINATIONS. 191 

23, of which 2 are (icnnaii ; C'mnhcrhuul Presbyterian, 
3, of which 2 are German; Kefonned Pre.sbyterian, 1; 
United Presln'terian, 2; Roman Catholic, 47, of which 15 
are German, 1 Hohemian, 1 Polish, 1 colored, and one 
German and Enj;lisii ; Unitarian, 3; Miscellaneous, 18, 
3 of which are colored. TIio edifices devoted to the wor- 
ship of the Almighty number over two hundred and 
twenty, of which 8 are Hebrew. The rabbis are able 
teachers. 

The clergymen of St. Louis, without regard to sect or 
denomination, have from an early period been distinguished 
for piety and zeal, as well as for eloquence and marked 
ability. A few of them have spent a lengthened life in 
this city — devoted to the moral welfare of its people. 

The French Roman Uatholic missionaries were the 
earliest to bring the institutions of Christianit}'^ to the 
aborignees of the Mississippi Valley, and subsequently to 
the French colonists. The curates were distinguished for 
zeal. The earliest "tabernacle" in Laclede's time, was 
a tent of poles and boughs of trees. The Catholics built 
the first brick and stone church erected in St. Louis, about 
seventy 3'ears since. 

Man}' of the church edifices of this city are large and 
costly. For tastefulncss in archictecture they will bear 
comparison with the structures of other cities. Some 
are superb, and others grand. 

SOCIETIES FOR MOHAL AND RELIGIOUS 

Lnprovcment are numerous, and are found amongst 
all the denominations, Protestant, Roman Catholic and 
Hebrew. Some of them are prominently identified with 
works of special social improvement. The Young Men's 
Christian Association has several branches, including one 
for young colored men. Their German l)ranch is specially 



192 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



active, and raised the full cost of a separate home, a hand- 
some new building recently completed. All these socie- 
ties have the active sympathy of community, and are- 
useful in their spheres. 



THE HOTKLS 



Of St. Louis are numerous and well appointed. Some, for 
size and elegance, are not inferior to the best of other cities, 




THE .SOUTIIEltX HOTEI>. 

and whilst in comfort and viands, are equal to such, 
their charges to guests are less. 

The hotels of this city have been found equal to the 
task of caring for the numerous great assemblies of people 
from the country at large, gathered here ^dthin a few 



BATHING FACILITIES. 193 



3^ears past, notably unl()nir^^t which were the triennial con- 
■clave of Knights Templar, annual assembly of the (Irand 
Army of the Republic, the convention to nominate a 
President of the United States, and the National Sivuirer- 
fest. The central position of this city, the hospitality 
of its citizens, agreeable climate, and the reasonableness 
of the prices of its hotels — all combine to make St. Louis 
a popular and favorite spot for the holding of conventions 
by organized bodies of men. 

But, each autumn, during the forty days of the annual 
Fair, Exposition, Musical Entertainments, Illuminations, 
etc., this city entertains daily, without crowding, many 
times ten thousand strangers. 

BATHS— NATATORIUM. 

A natatorium of ample area is maintained during the 
:sumnier season. It is liberally patronized by bathers and 
learners of the art of swimmino;. Bathing establishments 
are ^numerous throughout the city, some of which fur- 
nish Turkish baths. But, a city situated on the banks of a 
great river, might well afford baths at all seasons for the 
populace. Disease would l)e diminished, and health pro- 
moted. 

FKEE PUBLIC BATHS. 

The completion of the new water works, in 1893, is 
likely to l)e a fitting era for the adoption ))y municipal 
legislation of a general system of free bathing, or public 
baths at a merely nominal charge, yet equaling only the 
■current expenses. The municipality will then be able to 
furnish fifty million gallons of water daily, and the authori- 
ties might well favor the establishment of a popular plan 
of free, or cheap bathing in each ward of the city. 

THE DRAMA AND OPERA. 

The people of St. Louis are liberal patrons of the 
drama and opera. They have ever been specially devoted 



194 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 




CLUBS, SOCIP]IES, LODGES, ETC. 195' 



to art iiuisie in vocalization, and this city has <i:i\'en birth 
to a number of (listinsfuished singers. There is an increasino; 
taste for music in all its forms among citizens, which is a 
sure indication of growth in retinement. 

There are a number of theatres and ojx'ra houses, to 
which the leading " stars " and their troupes draw crowded 
audiences. 

The nuisical societies of 8t. Louis are numerous, and 
their amateur performers have high merit; whilst, from 
these schools of vocal art, has come forth an occasional 
pupil, bringing credit to the city and celebrity to the artist. 

BASE BALL CLUBS. 

Among a considerable class of citizens a great fondness 
for athletic sports prevails, and has developed — during sev- 
eral years — until attendance upon base ball playing has 
become a popular pastime of the patrons of this rage. 

» OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUT-DOOR ENJOYMENT. 

Few other large cities are as amply provided with free 
grounds, open daily to the public, in charming and delight- 
ful parks, gardens, squares and boulevards — spacious 
enough for a much larger population — and where all nuiy 
find pure air, and freedom for relaxation. Besides these, 
arc beautiful and refreshintr drives throuo;h streets and 
avenues lined with the most tasteful improvements, and 
where — in spring, summer and autumn — many of both 
sexes may be seen walking or riding horseback. 

Each year has not failed to add new means and meth- 
ods, through which the public has found opportunities for 
rational and health-gi\'ing enjoyment. 

ASSOCIATIONS, CIRCLES, CHAI'TEHS, CLUBS, LEAGUES, 
LODGES, ORDERS, SOCIETIES, ETC. 

The nundjcr of organized bodies in force at St. Louis 
is legion. It exceeds eleven hundred I Their objects and [)ur- 



196 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

poses cover almost the whole ground of rational views and de- 
sires. The most prominent only of which need be mentioned, 
oimnely: Those for social enjoyment; for mental, moral, 
intellectual, physical, musical, dramatic and religious cul- 
ture ; for objects benevolent, charitable, mutual aid and pro- 
tection, etc. A stranger coming to the city to remain, 
and wishing to attach himself to some organization, could 
•scarcely fail to find one to suit him, and friends willing to 
take him cordially by the hand. 

Among the very prominent duhs are the following: 
Mercantile, Marquette, McCullough, Dramatic, Germania, 
Harmonic, St. Louis, Elks, Hendricks, Sketch, Jockey and 
Calumet. 

The Knights of St. Patrick meet quarterly. 

The Caledonia Society has an annual dinner, toasts, 
speeches and songs. 

Societies of Members of Grand Army of the Repidjlic 
are numerous. Also, an Ex- Confederates Association. 

The Missouri Historical Society, organized in 1866, 
makes yearly progress in membership, and in the number 
and value of its collections. 

The Southern Historical and Benevolent Association is 
enabled to help needy ex-Confederates, and gather contri- 
butions for its archives. 

ST. LOUIS' CHARITY TO THE FOOR. MUTUAL RESPECT BE- 
TWEEN EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYE. PROFIT-SHARING. 
NO DISCONTENT AMONGST MECHANICS AND 
LABORING MEN. STRIKES NOT PROBA- 
BLE. NO ANARCHISTS IN 
SAINT LOUIS. 

In no other city is more kindly and compassionate work 
■done for the poor and needy, through organized and sys- 
tematized relief associations, or by individual acts of benev- 
olence. Charity, as an active sentiment, is broad in this 
<)ommunity.. It is apt to "observe the injunction of the 



ST. LOUIS CHARITY 



197 



Divine Teacher, that " tlio poor are always present." In 
the hot season, considerate citizens provide deliirhtful 
free steamboat day-excursions on the River, for poor 
mothers and children. Enlivening music and abundant 
food and drinks, are superadded to the fresh air and inci- 
dental diversions. To those for whom ]irovidcd, these 
tire onlv transient, but not un- 1 

forgotten joys. 

At the last Christmas (Dec, 
1888), tifteen thousand poor 
■children were entertained at Ex- 
])()sition Hall with music and 
merriment — including a visit 
from "Santa Claus " — and ac- 
comjianied with the bestowment 
of (to them) rare gifts. All 
which carried good cheer to 
thousands of darkened hearth- 
stones,* But this was one only 
of similar entertainments pro- 
vided for the needy and cheer- 
less on Christmas Day, at pul)- 
lic and private institutions, and of charity and liberalitv — 
flowing freely — toward such as needed relief and hcl[). 

The rich and comfortable men and women of the city 
were not unmindful of the wants of the poor and less 
favored. These simple, yet gracious acts, carried satisfac- 
tion to many dissatisfied hearts, and joy to cheerless homes. 

But, such special acts, in conjunction with general 
benevolence, do not end simply in ))ringing pleasure to the 




-l-I)I~l' \l in l;l ILDIXG. 



♦Note.— The fund raised for tliis/<^«' from citizens, ainiiinitcil (o between eif^lit and 
nine Uiousand dollars. U ori/Jinaled witli an a.sso<'iate niana^er of one of the iiojju- 
lar daily newspapers, and by whom it was carried through. This pai>er paid all the 
attenilant expenses, ineluding rent of hall, etc.: the amount of wlii<!h exceeded 
•one thOHsand dollars. A balance of fhe fund remained— after the bestowment of 
the pifts of "SaJita Claus"— of about five tliousand dollars, which was expended iu 
slices and doUiing for the most needy and worthy of Ihebovs and girls. — Author. 

12 



198 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



givers, and comfort to the recipients, but they go much fur- 
ther. They are satisfactory assurances to many that not 
all of the rich are sordid; but, on the contrary, are open 
and expressed friends and benefactors. It is apparent, that 
a generous and wise consideration suitably demonstrated 
by the rich and well-to-do citizens toward the masses and 
laboring classes — unfurnished in luxury's good things — is. 
what impresses them with satisfaction, if not with content. 
This feeling is prevalent amongst them, and daily no- 
ticeable in their ranks. 

There are not only no riotous assemblies, and no anar- 
chial gatherings here, but not any appearance of discon- 
tent amongst the working classes. In general, they tind 
ready employment, and at fair wages. It is also proof of 
the prevalent prosperity at this city. 

Whilst some attempts are being made to al)bre\'iate the 
daily working hours, the "wage" rates — paid to mechan- 
ics and day laborers — seem to be satisfactory. The plan 
of profit-sliaring has been adopted by several firms, and 
has Avorked satisfactorily. The system is to be recom- 
mended, not only because it produces a more cordial feel- 
ing between the employer and employed, but it leads to 
greater industry and a stronger interest in the success of 
the business. It goes further still, in preventing "strikes," 
and in increasing the profits of the establishment. And,, 
at the "annual reckoning," whatever it be, both par- 
ties start afresh with renewed zeal. 

Amongst the many thousands of workmen and work- 
women in this city, there is not the slightest dissatisfac- 
tion apparent, nor is there likely to be any other feeling 
than that of the general opinion, that the employer pays- 
all the wages he can afford. Besides, manufactures,, 
buildings and all works and enterprises, progress freely 
and are undisturbed by fears of strikes or riots. 



BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS. 199* 

PAY, FREE, CHAHITAHLE AND 15ENEV0LENT INSTITUTIONS 
OK ST. LOUIS. 

"What provision is made at St. Louis for the sick, dis- 
eased and destitute may be seen b}' examination of the list 
given of 

ASYLUMS, HOMES, ETC. 

Deaf and Dumb As3dum and Half Orphan's As3'lum 
for girls ; Blind Girls' Industrial Home; Girls' Industrial 
Home; Old Ladies' Home of the Friendless; Insane Asy- 
lum; St. Vincent's Institution for the Insane; St. Ann's 
Widows' Home; Infant Asylum, and Lying-in IIosi)ital ; 
Home of the Good Shepherd; House of Protection for ser- 
vant girls out of situations ; Little Sisters of the Poor, a 
Home for indigent and aged people; St. Joseph's Female 
Night Pcfuge ; the Bal)ies' and Children's Receiving and 
Distributinii' Honu> ; AVorkino- Women's Home ; Women's 
Christian Home ; House of the Guardian Angel ; St. Eliza- 
beth'»s Institute; Home of the Immaculate Conception; 
Home for Aged and Infirm Israelites ; Orphans' Home ; 
the Baptist, Episcopal, German Evangelical Lutheran, 
German General Protestant, German Protestant, Method- 
ist, Mullanphy, St. Louis Protestant, St. Bridget's (half- 
orphan), St. Philomena, St. Joseph's Male, St. ^Mary's 
Female, and St. Vincent's (German) Orphan Asylums and 
Homes. 

HOSPITALS AND INFIRMARIES. 

Alexian Brothers' Hospital and Insane Asylum; 
Augusta Free Hospital for the children of St. Louis; 
City's Free; Evangelical Lutheran; Female (Hospital and 
Industrial Home); German Evangelical Lutheran (Hos- 
pital and Asylum); Good Samaritan; Lying-in; United 
States' Marine; Missoui-i Pacific Kaihvay; Private Ilos- 
l)ital for Ladies; Pius; (Quarantine and Small Pox; St. 
John's; St. Louis, and Children's Hospital; St. Louis 



200 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



Female (Infirmary); St. Louis, Iron Mountain and 
Southern Eailway Employes' (Home); St. Louis Post 
Graduate; St. Louis Mullanphy ; St. Luke's Episcopalian; 
St. Mary's (Infirmar}-) ; and Protestant Hospital Associa- 
tion of St. Louis. 




GRAND TOWER liLOCK, X. E. CORNER EOIUITH AND MARKET STREETS. 



RAILWAYS ENTERING ST. LOUIS. 201 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE HAILWAYS I<:NTEKING ST. LOUIS. 



THOSE FROM THE EAST ARE 

The Waba.sh, (Eastern); Vandalia and Terre Haute; 
St. Louis and Indianai)<)lis, (Bee Line); Ohio and Mis- 
sissippi; Chicago and Alton; St. Louis, Alton and Terre 
Haute; Terre Haute and Indianapolis, via Vandalia; 
Toledo, St. Louis and Kansas City; Illinois and St. Louis; 
Louisville and Nashville ; St. Louis, Arkansas and Texas ; 
Venice, Marine and P^astern ; St. Louis and Central Illi- 
nois; Mobile and Ohio, (via St. Louis and Cairo); St. 
Louis and Paducah ; Chicago, Burlington and Quincy; 
St Louis Bridge Company. 

AND, FKOM NORTH, SOUTH AND WEST. 

South Western System, of seven great railways — with 
the Missouri Pacitic at its head — comprising upward of 
seven thousand miles of road, but connected with, and 
operating upward of seventy-five branch roads ; St. Louis 
and San Francisco, (Frisco Line); AVal)ash "Western, in- 
cluding nine branches; Chicago, Burlington and (Quincy, 
including its northern and western connections of great 
extent of mileage. 

OFFICES OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AT ST. LOUIS. 

The offices of the L'nited States civil service are the 
following: 

Assayer, Circuit Clerk, Custom House, Collector of 
Customs, Commissioners, District Attorney, P^ngineers, 
Internal Revenue, Inspector Post Office Department, Jury 



'202 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

Commissioner, Light House luspeetor, Light House En- 
gineer, Marine Hospital Service, Mississippi River Commis- 
sion, Masters in Chancery, Marslial, Post Office, Signal 
Service, Supervisor of Education, Secret Service, Railway 
Mail Service, Registers in Bankruptcy, Treasury Depart- 
ment, Examining Surgeon's Office, Special Examiner, 
Pension Bureau, Inspector of Steamboats. 

ARMY DEPARTMENTS. 

Cavalry Depot, Pay, Subsistence, Recruiting Office for 
Infantry, Recruiting Office for Cavalry, Clothing Depot, 
Medical Purveyor's Depot, Quartermaster's Department. 

JEFFERSON BARRACKS— ARSENAL. 

The department of Avar established a military station 
near St. Louis at the period of the cession of the territory 
of Louisana, in 1804, and has maintained it ever since. 
Jefferson Barracks was built upward of sixty years since, 
and the Arsenal soon afterwards. The original purpose 
was the maintenance here of a corps de . reserve of the 
army. Few other army posts have been found as pleasant 
to the army officers, in consequence of the agreeable cli- 
mate and social advantaofes of St. Louis. 



THE UNITED STATES COURTS, AND SUPREME COURT OF 
MISSOURI. 



U. S. CIRCUIT COURT. 



The regular term beo:ins in Saint Louis annuallv on 
third Monday in March and September, held by Hon. 
Samuel F. Miller, Associate Justice of the U. S. Supreme 
Court, allotted to the Circuit (8th Judicial); or by the 



THF COURTS. 



203 



■Circuit Judge residing in the circuit, or by the District 
Judge of the Eastern District of Missouri, acting as Cir- 
cuit Judge, or either of said Judges. 

U. S. DISTKKT COURT. 

The reguhir term l)egiiis on the first Monday in May 
and Noyember. Return term on first Monday of each 
montii. 

SUPREME COURT OF MISSOURI. 

The rcguhir term begins on first Monday in April and 
November. 

FOREIGN CONSULS RESIDENT AT ST. LOUIS, 

For the countries following, to-wit: German Empire, 
France, Austro-Hungar}^ Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Bel- 
^:ium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Brazil, 
and Mexico. 




EXroSITION IH'ILDINd 



204 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

CHAPTER VII. 

ST. LOUIS A CENTRE OF MINING CAPITALISTS. 



St. Louis is headquarters for nearly all of the mines 
of Lead, Zinc, Copper, Iron and Coal in the State of Mis- 
souri, and of the coal output of south-western Illinois. It 
is headquarters for a number of the valuable mines in the 
precious metals of Old and New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, 
Montana, etc. Some fortunate investors of this city have, 
within a few years, added to their exchequer an amount of 
wealth rivalling the rich returns of the early days of the 
California finds. 

THE MINING STOCK EXCHANGE, 

NO. 312 NORTH THIRD STREET, 

Was organized November 10th, 1888. The officers chosen 
were as follows ; J. D. Abeles, President; Joe J. Mul- 
lally, Vice-President; Page McPherson, Treasurer ; Albert 
Singer, Secretary; S. A. Abeles, Ass't Secretary. 

The Constitution and By-Laws — carefully and rigidly 
prepared — were unanimously adopted. The organization 
provides for a membership of one hundred persons, divided 
equally between active and associate members. Each 
active member is entitled to a representative on the floor 
of the Exchange. Rates of commission on sales were 
established, together with initiation, monthly and annual 
fees of members. Rules were adopted, among which 
was one to prohibit "wash" trading.* Any violation of 
this rule by memliers, is followed by liability of expulsion. 



*NOTE. — A term given to unreal (false) sales, but reported as if they had actually 
occurred. — Author. 



SAMPLING AND TESTING WORKS. 205 

Trading outside of the P^xclmnge is disallowed. A mine 
may be " listed " ui)()n the application in writing of the 
otlioers of an}' mining company, and the payment of a fee 
of tifty dollars. 

The Exchange holds two sessions daily: from 11 a. 
>i. to 1 o'clock r. M.; and from 3 to 4 o'clock p. m. A 
"call" is held at 11:30 a. m. daily. The hour of the 
delivery of stocks, is 2:30 p. m. on the day succeeding 
their sale. 

ST. LOUIS SAMPLING AND TESTINCx AVOHKS, (NEAR UNION 
DEPOT) UNDER THE CONTROL OF DEPART- 
MENT OF MINING AND MP^TALLURGY, 
AVASHINGTON UNIVERSITY. 

These works — most creditable to St. Louis, and con- 
venient and advantageous to miners and investors in mines — 
are available to citizens and strangers at all seasons of the 
year. 

"These works are supplied with a full line of machinery 
and appliances for crushing and sampling ores, etc., and 
testing ores by any process of milling or concentration, for 
ascertaining by practical working tests the average value 
of ore, the best method for its treatment, and the com- 
mercial results to be expected from such treatment. 

"To meet these re(iuirements the machinery employed 
is the same as that in actual practice, and is of the most 
improved pattern. It includes : One rock breaker, 10x4. 
Two sets of rolls, lOxKJ. Automatic sampler and feeders. 
One battery of three GoO lbs. stamps, with inside and out- 
side coppcrphitcs for gold milling. One battery of live 
(550 lbs. stamps, with amalgamating pans and settler for 
silver milling. One full-sized Frue vanner. One "(Jolden 
Gate concentrator." One reverbratory roasting and 
chlorodizing fmMacc. Leaching and precipitating tanks. 



206 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



Four sizing screens. Six jigs, hydraulic separator, pointed 
boxes and Evans buddle. One coking oven. 

"The building is 60x139 feet, equipped with a 30 horse- 
power engine, and a 60 horse power boiler, thus affording 
ample space and power to carry on the work, and also make 
special trials of new machinery or appliances relating to 
mining or treatment of ores. 

"Well appointed assay and chemical laboratories are 
connected with the mill for the assay and analysis of ores, 
fuels, furnace products, etc." * 



* Note. — This descriptiou of the " Sampling: and Testing Works" is condensed 
from Catalogue of Washington University .--^»t//(0)-. 




OOUUT HOUSE. 



THE CITY OF ST LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



PART SIXTH 



CHAPTER I. 



Commercial and Mamifactming' Growth. 



?^I^IIP] large trad 
JlpS ■''i^'e and po] 



trade enjoyed by this city with the exten- 
)pulous territory of which it is the cen- 
^f^ tre, continues to increase and its area to expand 
yearly in a volume corresponding with its gigantic 
surroundings. The active growth of commerce — repre- 
sented ])y the aggregate money value, as well as by the 
volume — and the large demand for manufactured produc- 
tions, is indicative of a healthy condition of trade, and of 
uninterrupted prosperity. 

The popularity of St. Louis as a trade centre is not at 
all likely to diminish, but continue to increase. This city 
has gained the good will of the traders and people of the 
Great Vallej'^ and countries beyond it, by fair dealing, liber- 
ality and enterprise — all which have entitled it to apprecia- 
tion and patronage. As a centre for the distribution of 
commodities, merchandise and inanufactunMl products, its 
geographical position was a ))riinaiy factor oidy, its active 
citizens developed and contirmed the advantages tlowing 
therefrom. But, of all the business men, of every large 

207 



208 ST, LOUIS OF TO-DAY. * 

and prosperous cit}^, the jobbing and wholesale merchants 
are the most influential — as they are the most conspicuous 
in trade — through their constant and intimate intercourse 
and contact with the dealers who come from every sec- 
tion, and to whom is imparted the spirit, and often the 
characteristics, of the men of the commercial metropolis. 
The merchants and manufacturers of St. Louis have 
cultivated with diligence and energy the great and fertile 
field lying around, and opened invitingly to them, that 
they might put their hand to the plow. But, a large 
measure of credit for the popularity of this city for fair 
and honorable dealing, is due to that large class of in- 
telligent and deserving men, the traveling salesmen 

"drummers" — and for spreading the reputation of St. 
Louis' business men. These men are the most powerful fac- 
tors in creatino; and maintainino; established trade and com- 
merce. Upon them, in a large measure, depends the ex- 
tension of the fame of this city as a most desirable market 
— deserving of the general favor.* 



THE SCOPE OF TERRITORY WHICH TRADES DIRECTLY WITH 

ST. LOUIS. 



" Let us, then, be up aud doing, 
Still achieving, still pursuiug." 

—Longfelloio. 



Adam Smith, the very able Scotch political economist, . 
in his talented work entitled "The Wealth of Nations," 
states it as a clear and practical necessity, that " the valua- 
ble trade of any spot is that commerce which is carried on 
between the inhabitants of the town and those of the 



* Note. — See Appendix : Commercial Traveling Jlen. — Author. 



WHOLESALE TRADE. 209 



countrv." St. Louis trades directly, and tlir()n<rli its coni- 
mercial travelers, in a greater or lesser degree, with a very 
large proportion of the States and Territories, the whole 
nuinher e(|uals thirty. The great South, Southwest and 
Northwest are increasing annually in a greater ratio than 
other parts, as is well know^i, and it would not be extrava- 
gant to accord to them two-thirds of the whole population 
of the entire Union at the close of the century. 

The teri'itory with which St. Louis enjoys commercial 
intercourse embraces the following States, namely : Illinois, 
Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana; nearly all of 
Missouri, Arkansas and Texas; a large part of the Terri- 
tories of Arizona, New Mexico, Montana, Idaho, Utah and 
Indian (Territory). Also, of the States of Wyoming, Ne- 
vada, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, South 
Dakota and North Dakota. Besides, some firms send their 
travelers into, and sell to the States of Ohio, Indiana, 
West Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida 
and Wisconsin. 

New railroads, and extensions of others already built, 
are annually constructed, connecting with this cit}', both 
directly and indirectly, and they constantly swell the vol- 
ume of trade which pours into the lap of St. Louis. 

Two new railway connections with St. Louis have 
recently been completed, and opened, namely: That 
of the Chicago, Burlington and (^uincy Kailway — in 
coml)ination with its great lines and their branches in Mis- 
souri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and beyond. The other 
road has made direct connection with this city, starting 
from Paducah, Kentucky, and from thence south and east 
with the extensive system of the Chesapeake and Ohio, 
Louisville and Nashville, and other leading lines to the 
Gulf and Atlantic seaboaid. These connections were com- 
pleted and consummated in l)cc<'mber, 1888. 



210 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES OF ST. LOUIS. 

Manufactures in Iron and Steel. — Car wheels, 
chains, counting-room safes, scales and balances, steam- 
boilers, steam engines, shovels, mill saws, files, vises, iron- 
wares, granite ironwares, steel wire rope, fence wire, baling 
ties, iron and steel wires, wire goods, general hardware, 
iron working in general, steel jail works, water pipe, 
cutlery, etc. 

Metal and Brass Goods, lead pipe, gas pipe, sheet 
and bar lead, lightning rods, architectural and ornamen- 
tal iron and zinc works, etc. 

Agricultural Implements, continuous hay presses, 
wagons and carriages, car building, chairs, household fur- 
niture, office furniture, refrigerators and ice chests, stoves 
and ranges, saw mills, steam and wood pumps, lamps and 
lanterns, wood mouldings, picture frames, mantels, etc. 

Plate Glass of all descriptions, window glass, orna- 
mental glass, druggists' glasswares, etc. 

Chemicals, fire clay products, photographers' dry 
plate, terra cotta, sash, doors and blinds, packing boxes, 
cooperage, Avooden and willow ware, show cases, counting 
room desks, etc. 

White Leads, paints and colors, castor and cotton- 
seed oils, soaps, candles, fertilizers, glucose, glue, lubrica- 
ting oils, etc. 

Bagging, bags, rope and cordage. 

Electric Light Plants, electric engines and lights,, 
optical instruments, artificial limbs. 

Powder, fire works. 

Engraving on steel, copper and lithographing.. 

Pianos, organs, billiard tables, solid silver and plated 
wares, jewelry, gold pens. 

Shoes and Boots, hats, clothing, fur and knit goods. 

Saddlery and Harness, machine belting. 



MAXUFACTURKS. 211 



Blank Books, rooliiia- and sheathino^ paper. 
PHi\TiX(i, in all (lopartnicMits, l)()()k l)in(linir. 
Bkkk ^Making, granite and marble working. 
Tobacco Manufactures. 
Beer Brewing. 

Wines from native grapes, sparkling chami^agnes, still 
wines, whiskies, eider, vinegar. 

CO.MPLETE OUTFITS FOR DAIRIES. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Also, manufaeturers in other, and different produets, in 
part as follows : 

Furnishinofs for merchant and arist mills: middlins: 
purifiers; grain elevator machinerv ; mill machinerv ; min- 
ing and eoal-i)it machinerv; miners' supplies; wood and iron 
working machinerv; rock drills; well boring drills and 
apparatus; house elevators, iind elevating machinery; 
power and hand corn shellers; copper stills, and distillers' 
outfits ; ice machines, and implements ; soda water sup- 
plies; railway supplies, and refrigerating machines. 
FIEE-CLAY AND ITS rKODUCTS. 

It is conceded, that the fire-clay deposits at this city 
are of finer (juality than those of foreign countries. The 
following analysis of Missouri, German and English clavs^ 
is of value for comparison : 

ANALYSIS. ENGLISH. GERMAN. MIS.SOUIU. 

Silicti ()3.03 48. 7y ()8.2.i 

Alumina 23.03 28.50 23.20 

Oxide of Irou L!»2 4.20 L75 

^MairiK'sia 20 .45 .OC 

Lime 14 .10 .o;t 

Soda .0() .US 

I'otasli IS ' .22 .07 

Hydroscopic water 2.10 3.50 2.15 

Water of composition with or- 

Kauic matter 9.40 1 4. is <).35 

100. 100. 10(1. 

From this analysis it will be seen, that in that cle- 
ment which is the most essential for a useful, tractal>le 



212 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

fire-clay, viz : silica, the Missouri clay is better provided 
than the English, and very much better than the German. 

The proof of the great value of the fire-clays of this 
vicinity is the A^ery large and growing demand for them 
for shipment to other })laces to be manufactured, and the 
extensive demand for the products of the several extensive 
works of this city. 

The earliest discover}^ of fire-clay, at Cheltenham, (4 
mih'S from the Court House), was made in 1838; not until 
years thereafter wa.s it utilized, or it.s superior (luality un- 
derstood; its products have been found preferable in Can- 
ada to the famous Stonebridge products (England). 
St. Louis also supplies Pennsylvania, New York, New Jer- 
sey, and many other sections, and including entire districts. 

For a long period the New Jersey products held the 
market — until the St. Louis wares came to be appreciated 
at their full value — but our productions are now first in 
amount and value, and for (|uality as well, in the United 
States. The following are a part of the articles manufac- 
tured : ^ 

Sewer and drain pipe — from 4 to 24 inches, and up- 
ward in diameter — crucibles, chimneys, fire-brick, paving- 
brick, (stands to the heaviest hauling), the Livessy- 
Somerville Refrigerator Furnaces, silica fire-clay cement 
— extensively used where great heat is to be resisted — fur- 
nace linings, glasspots, gas retorts, and pots for corroding 
white lead. 

Terra Cotta Lumber is also made — a mixture of fire-clay 
and sawdust — and its properties are very remarkable : in- 
destructible by fire, Avater, frost, gases, acids or age, a 
poor conductor of heat, dampness, sound or electricitv, it 
neither expands nor shrinks under extraordinary or sud- 
den changes of temperature, and will resist the hottest 
flame ; its weight is half that of brick, t-vvo-thirds of granite 
or marble, and one-seventh iron, besides it is not costly. 



MANUFACTURES. 



213 



The sales of the fire-clay products of St. Louis are 
most extensively spread ; they find a market in Old Mexico, 
California, New Orleans, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, 
and nearl}' every large city and manufacturing spot in th-e 
United States. Linings for blast furnaces are sold to 
Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Michigan ; 
and their Bessemer Tuyeres to Troy and Pittsburgh. The 
glass works and iron furnaces in all parts of our country 
use almost exclusively the heat resisting fire-clay products 
of the St. Louis manufacturers. 

The manufacture of fire-clay wares at St. Louis was 
begun in 185(5, in a moderate way, and gradually grew to 
the present great proportions. The capital employed in this 
A'aluable industry is not less than two and a half million 
dollars, and the annual products are e(jual to six million 
dollars in 1888. 




t r irmii»jri; 
f r • r ji I I I I '• • » ' '4 









I.A( I.KDK IIOIKI- lillLlJlNG. 



13 



214 ST, LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



DESCEIPTION OF A FEW OF THE LEADING 

MANUFACTURING PLANTS OF 

ST. LOUIS. 



MANUFACTURES IN GLASS. 



Neither Pittsburgh, Wheeling, or New Albany, have 
advantages equal to those of St. Louis and its suburbs, 
for the manufacture or sale of glass goods; not only 
on account of the cheapness of its fuel, and centrality of 
its position for distribution, but in the great abundance and 
rare quality of the chief constituent of glass — the sands. In 
this department of industrial production, St. Louis might 
Avell be proud of its factories, since they vie with all others 
in America or Europe in the excellence of their wares, 
especially in plate glass, which in strength; purity of tint, 
and general excellence, is not only equal, but even superior 
to the best of French production. The superior quality 
of the St. Louis plate glass is appreciated throughout all 
the territory of the Great Valley and at the East. It is util- 
ized in the finest residences and business buildings. 

Window glass, druggists' and bottlers' goods, rough 
and ribbed plate glass, rolled cathedral and undoyant 
glass, crown discs, etc., are also products of the nine 
plants of this city. 

One of the plate glass companies began in 1872, with 
a capital stock of $250,000 ; two years later it was doubled ; 
and in 1880 it was increased to one million dollars. Three 
years later the capital was raised to $1,500,000. The 
plant comprises 5 melting furnaces, 94 annealing kilns, 
22 circular grinders, 50 smoothers, 36 polishers, and 20 



MANUFACTURING PLANTS. 215 

steam engines, together with all else to make up an estab- 
lishment complete as any in Europe. 

The capital invested in the ghiss industry aggregates 
six million dollars. 

The best and most desirable descriptions of sand for the 
manufacture of plate glass and glass ware, arc found in 
unlimited quantities near St. Louis. 

Superior glass sand is sold and sent from St. Louis to 
factories at Pittsl)urgh, Steubcnville and AVhecling in large 
(juantities. One tirm alone ships annually upward of a 
thousand tons. 

CHEMICAL WORKS. 

There are at St. Louis five or six chemical plants which 
are extensive and varied in their productions — one is con- 
fined to sal soda; another to ammonia for druggists' and 
chemists' use, and refrigerating purposes; another to 
pharmaceutical specialties exclusively for physicians; 
another for druggists' and distillers' fruit essences, and 
other specialties re(iuired by the trades. And yet another 
manufactures a full line of pure chemicals for medicinal 
and photographic purposes, embracing over three hundred 
articles. This extensive plant makes a number of tech- 
nical products, amongst the most important of which are 
aciua-ammonia and anhvdrous-ammonia, of which laro-e 
quantities are shipped to all parts of the country, for the 
cooling of breweries, the manufacture of artificial ice, etc. 

Some idea may be formed of the great establishment 
last mentioned (which covers two entire city blocks and 
employs two hundred workmen), when it is stated, that its 
products are made in tons' w'eight, numy of them high 
priced, but some of which cost several dollars per ounce. 
This company sells its goods in nearly every part of the 
I'^nited States, and exports them to foreign countries. The 



216 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

superior quality of these o^oods gives them quick sale over 
a wide field of distribution. 

GRANITE IRON- WARES. 

St. Louis possesses one of the greatest manufacturing 
plants of this description of wares in any country. A be- 
ginning was made in a small way in 1859, until the build- 
ings now cover an area of two city blocks of ground. 

The body of granite iron-ware is made of sheet iron of 
superior quality, of a description which formerly was made 
only in England. But, by experience, it was found that the 
quality lacked uniformity of grade, and in order to obtain 
the required standard, the St. Louis manufacturers under- 
took to make it themselves, contrary to the opinion of 
sheet-iron manufacturers, who said such iron could not be 
made in this country. Notwithstanding, they purchased 
five acres of land within the city limits, built a rolling mill, 
and completed it in 1870. And, b}^ skill and energy, they 
were early rewarded by making the desired quality of 
sheet-iron. 

This mill is capable of producing twenty tons of sheet- 
iron daily. The process of the manufacture of granite 
iron-ware is briefly described as follows : The coating of 
sheet-iron is a highly vetritied glass, insoluble and imper- 
vious to vegetable acids, and approaches in this respect 
the properties of earthern, or porcelain wares. Granite iron- 
ware is preferable to eathern in all the (jualities of strength, 
durability, non-breakableness, lightness, and cheapness; 
besides, its appearance is not injured by heat. 

After various experiments, this enterprising Arm pro- 
duced their first perfect iron ware in 1874. Since then, 
their wares have been received with acceptance wherever 
they have been introduced in this country, or in foreign 
markets. The annual sales are very great, and the use of 



INTERNAL RF VENUE COLLECTIONS. 



217 



granite iron-ware is destined to become indispensable to 
many households. 

U. S. INTEKNAL KEVENUE COLLECTIONS— IN THE FIRST 
DISTRICT OF MISSOURI. (ST. LOUIS.) 

Freeman Baunim, Collectok. 



1>ESI(;XATI(»X. 



1884. 



1885. 



1886. 



1887. 



1888.* 



Lists (chiefly banks) 5,955 04 l,:i45 25 5,702 98! 4,^24 74 3,700 20 
Spirits Staiiips . . . 1,879,872 50 1,928.295 90 2,0(i8,721 10 l,847,(i(;5 HO 1..S35.410 10 
Tolcioc-o " ... 1,S1S,5()2 27 2,2:U.705 7s 2.4S4,204 41 3.222,774 00 3,200,714 26 
Citrar " ... 131,213 29 121,510 57 13(»,75iH)9 140,1 9S 93 141,ss;U6 

Snuff '• ... 3,s(;3 00 3,322 2.s 3,.")S!» SO 3,777 50 4.045 16 

KfiT " ... !t'.t5.(i!)4 13 975,222 SI l.ll(i,S17 34 1,293,945 51 1,379,425 75 



Special tax Stamps 
tOleoniargarine stpsi 



129,040 (JO, 124,891 42 118,932 3G> 123,184 05 
42 18 



Totals 4,963,700 83 5,.381,294 01 5,923,727 08!6,636,012 77 6,206,640 21 



141,431 52 



MANUFACTURED TOBACCO. 

St. Louis holds the first place — as the largest manufac- 
turer of tobacco in the world ! The amount on which tax 
was paid in the First Missouri District (of Avhich St. Louis 
produced 96 per cent) in l«S87,Avas 40,284,675 lbs., repre- 
senting a value of $15,000,000.00, against 32,448,936 lbs. 
in 1886, valued at $11,500,000.00. 

The total output of the United States for the fiscal year 
ending June 30, 1887, was 199,937,743 lbs., of which the 
First Missouri District produced 34,057,743 lbs., equal to 
17 per cent. The increase over the year ending June 30, 
1886, was 14,511,550 lbs., of which St. Louis produced 
about 30 per cent. 



* Note.— The falling' oflP in the revenue for 1888, was occasioned by llie reduc- 
tion in the oiitimt of liiu'hwineB and whiskies, as will be noticed. The receipts of 
revenue on spirits stamps was $r)\2,2'>^>.'0 less than for iss', otlierwise, the total re- 
ceipts, instead of being less, would have exceeded those for Ihh'.— Author. 



t Note. — No oleomargarine factories here; the collections made were on illicit 
goods seized at this point, and released under compromise. 



218 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY, 



FIRST INTERNAL REVENUE COLLECTION DISTRICT, 
Of ^vhich 96 per cent belongs to St. Louis. 



Oalendak Year. 


Tobacco Manu- 
factured. Lbs. 


Amount Tax 
Paid. 


1878 


5,990,801 
8,670,466 
12,889,784 
17,234,869 
17,170,190 
28,835,720 
22,631,104 
28,517,401 
32,448,936 
40,284,675 
40,060,020 


$1,440,716 84 
1,477,899 00 
2,063,549 45 


1879 


1880 


1881 


2,751,307 00 
2,728,525 82 


1882 


1883 


2,219,433 19 
1,818,562 27 


1884 


1885 


2,235,028 06 


1886 


2,484,204 41 


1887 

1888 


3,222,774 00 
3,200,774 26 







FROM THE REVENUE OFFICE, WASHINGTON, D. C. 

INTERNAL REVENUE RECEIPTS ON MANUFACTURED TOBACCO, 
JANUARY, 1888 AND 1889. 



FOR 



Districts. 



First Missouri, (St. Louis) 

Fifth Kentucky 

First Michigan 

Fiftli Neiv Jersey 

First Ohio 

Second Virginia 

Sixth Virginia 

State of North Carolina .... 



1888. 



1889. 



$ 240,561 05$ 274,921 51 



79,190 73 

63,070 00 

131,807 98! 

70,989 861 

130,702 00 

101,407 64 

128,274 43 



89,543 78 

86,415 48 

17(;,075 83 

83,055 84 

123,640 42 

120,073 77 

147,011 73 



From which it will be seen that St. Louis manufactures 
more tobacco as the three States of Ohio, Kentucky and 
Michigan coml)ined. 

The manufactures of tobacco for 1884, 1885, 1886, 
1887 and 1888, are classified as follows: 





1888. 
. Pounds. 


1887. 
Pounds. 


1886. 
Pounds. 


1885. 
Pounds. 


1884. 
Pounds. 


Plug Chewing.. 

Fine Cut 

Smoking 

Snuff 


35,543,164 

217,104 

4,249,035 

50,717 


35,491,829 

314,702 

4,478,144 

47,219 


27,916,690 

240,567 

4,291,679 

46,919 


23,809,253 

301,676 

4,364,394 

42,078 


18,488,399 

330,137 

3,763,226 

49,342 






Totals 


40,060,020 


40,331,894 


32,495,855 


28,517,401 


22,631,104 



THE BREWING INDUSTRY 



219 



CIGARS. 



Calendar Tear. 



1884. 
1885. 
188(5. 
1887. 
1888, 



Manufactured. 



41,327,.")00 
41,406,220 
43,5H6,3»;3 
40,732,973 
47,294,380 



Amount of tax 
Paid. 



$121,094 40 
121, .510 57 
130,759 09 
140,198 93 
141,883 10 



THE BREWING INDUSTRY. 

There are twenty-tAvo breweries, whose great output is 
indicated by the revenue receipts, M'hich amounted, in 
1887, to $1,293,945.51 (paid as revenue tax); and, the 
number of gallons produced exceeded forty-three million!* 
The capital emploA'cd in the brewing industry is several 
million dollars- The works give employment — inside and 
outside the establishments — to many thousands of opera- 
tives. Of all industries, the manufacture of beer affects 
more diversified interests than any other. Barley, hops, 
cooperage, bottles, coal, ice and water supply, men, horses, 
insurance, ships and railroads, are all necessary adjuncts. 
In 1887, 1,383,361 barrels were required for the output, 
jind the export trade of bottled beer was beyond twenty- 
five million bottle.s, 

THE ANHEUSER-BUSCH COMPANY. 

The export trade is chiefly enjoyed b}^ the Anheuser- 
Busch Company, which uses a process for the preservation 
of beer in all latitudes. The sales of this firm equaled a 
half million ])aiTels in 1887. Its annual product exceeds 
all of the great single breweries of Europe or the United 



* Note.— The numberol gallonB of 'beer produced in 1888, was 46,710,815.— ylu</ior. 



220 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

States. This establishment consumes in barley annually" 
over one million bushels, and three-fourths of a million 
pounds of hops. It uses a half million bushels of coal,, 
and employs fifteen thousand cars annually in receiving 
and forwarding products and supplies. The freightage^ 
paid by this firm is a very large sum. 

The ' ' register ' ' indicates the consumption of twenty- 
five million gallons of water used yearly in beer brewing, 
cooling and washing by this single company. They use 
twentv-five thousand tons of ice, notwithstandino- the estab- 
lishment is cooled by refrigerating machiner3^ The area 
of ground covered by the works of this company, comprises 
thirty acres, or one and a quarter million superficial feet 
of space. The wages paid exceed a half a million dollars 
annually. 

Other establishments are not so large, but great, never- 
theless. Some adequate idea may l>e formed of the money 
value of the brewing industry from a reference to one brew- 
ery only. A noted man in London^ — over one hundred years 
ago — looking upon a single brewing establishment, was 
asked, "why he took so much interest in it — not being an 
owner?" He replied, "because, sir, I see in and around me 
the potentiality of great riches I" Of a truth, then, the 
golden environment of St. Louis' twenty-two breweries 
possesses a value almost incalculable. 

It is an interesting fact, that an English "syndicate " 
has purchased, at large figures, a number of brewing plants 
in different cities of the United States. Recently (Feb- 
ruary, 1889), its agents have made proposals to buy several 
of the great breweries of St. Louis, and, it is publicly 
stated, that all refused to sell, iuicluding the largest one of 
them all, wdiich declined an offer of seven millions of 
dollars ! 



THE BREWING INDUSTRY. 



221 



AMOUNT OF BEER M.ANUFACTUKED IN ST. LOUIS, ANNUALLY^ 
FOR T^VELVE YEARS. 



Year. 


Barrels. 


Gallons. 


1877 


471,232 

521,684 

613,667 

828,072 

959,236 

1,069,715 

1,100,000 

1,122,265 

1,086,032 

1,280,091 

l,3H3,3(;i 

1,482,883 


14, 60S, 192 


1878 


16,172,204 


1879 


19,023,677 


1880 


25,670,232 
29,739,313 


1881 


1882 


33,(i61,165 


1883 


34,100,000 


1884 


34,790,215 
33,666,992 


1885 


1886 


39,682,821 


1887 


43,575,872 


1888 : 


46,710,815 







The exports direct to foreign countries during tlie year 
1887, was equal to 1,924,108 (|uiirt bottles, of a value of 
1887 S30(),000.00. 



WINES, THE PRODUCT OF MISSOURI VINEYARDS. 



THE AMERICAN WINE COMPANY, ST. LOUIS. 

This company — celebrated for its jjure wines of superior 
quality — was established in 1859, by Isaac Cook. It is 
still continued in vigor and prosperity through the able- 
management of its president, a son of the founder. This 
wine plant has become a leading one of the United States. 
It associates St. Louis with the celebrity of the products- 
of the American Wiue Company. Its " Imperial Spark- 
ling Champagne" is eeh'l)rated both in Europe and 
America. And, scarcely less noted is its " Bo(|uette"' 
brand. The wine vaults of this o()mi)Mny are 40 feet in 



222 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



depth, and cover an area of 100 by 200 feet. They have a 
storage capacity of 150,000 gallons. 

Another, the Stone Hill Wine Company, makes wines 
of the purest and most generous quality, from grapes of 
the vineyards of Hermann, Missouri. Still another, the 
*'Sect Wine Company," makes all its wines from 
selected grapes. And, its champagne, "Koehler's Sect," 
and "still" wines, are widely known. The storage capac- 
ity of this company is 80,000 square feet, at their vaults, 
Nos. 2814 to 2824 South Seventh street. In addition to 
these there are several other wine companies. 

MANUFACTURE OF CIDER AND VINEGAR. 

There are six establishments engaged in the making of 
cider and vinegar; whose trade covers many States and 
Territories. Their cider especially has a very extensive 
«ale. 




A SUBURBAN RESIDENCE. 



ADVANTAGES FOR MANUFACTURING. 223 



CHAPTER II. 

THE ADVANTAGES OF ST. LOUIS AS A MANUFACTURING SITE 

FOR COTTON AND WOOLEN TEXTILE FABRICS AND 

FINE POTTERY WARES, PAPER, ETC. 



In most of the productions of mechanical skill — known 
to other large manufacturing cities — St. Louis is found to 
be eminent, and in some pre-eminent, as a producer. It 
excels is tobacco, beer, fire-clay, white lead, shot, sad- 
dlery and harness products, and perhaps in a few others. 
But, in iron, lead, and other mineral productions, and in en- 
gines, boilers, water-pipe, fence and other wires; varied 
machinery, furniture, carriages, chemicals, and glass 
wares; besides, the results of many other valuable in- 
dustries, St. Louis is a stalwart rival of other manufactur- 
ing cities in all the lines mentioned. 

Nevertheless, in a few of the industries Avhich flourish 
elsewhere, this city is deficient, especially in manufactures 
of cotton and woolen textile fabrics, fine pottery and pa- 
per. These are wanting, not because they cannot be made 
here cheaply, and sold profitably ; but, in consequence of 
the need of the requisite skill and capital for employment 
in such valuable industries ; any or all of which might 
be incepted, developed and conducted under conditions the 
most favorable and profitable. 

The crude materials are to be had here at prime cost 
and in unlimited quantity; superadded is a great and 
growing trade venire^ which affords facilities for the sale 
and distribution of many millions of dollars in value annu- 
ally of such staple manufactures. 

In the Seventh Part of this treatise, statistical tables 
may be found of the (luantity of cotton and wool staples — 
raw materials — received annualh' at, and shipped through 



224 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. * 

this city to more distant parts, including cotton to Canada 
and Europe, and wool to Philadelphia and Boston. These 
great staples are sent here to be handled, as to their pri- 
mary market, direct from the cotton fields and sheep ranges. 
It will suffice to state, that for the last cotton year, ending 
August 31st, 1888, two hundred and fifty million pounds 
of cotton were sold at, and shipped through St. Louis. Of 
wools for the calender year, ending December 31st, 1888, 
there were received here to be sold on commission, exceed- 
ing twenty million pounds, not including through ship- 
ments of the staple. 

But, since the sources of supply of cotton and wool 
are so near at hand, the quantity available may be in- 
creased to any degree demanded for the supply of manu- 
facturing plants, should they be established at St. Louis. 

This city is a large market for paper, both in its con- 
sumption and distribution. A vast quantity of paper stock 
is gathered in this city, and received from a wide range of 
territory outside, sent hitherto be marketed. Wood-pulp, 
which enters so largely into paper making, might be ob- 
tained — delivered at this city — much cheaper than at any 
other locality — East or AVest. It would be derived from 
the extensive forests South and West. 

In pottery clays and kaolin, the most vauable varieties 
and qualities — jjure and plastic — are found convenient to St. 
Louis. Competent judges consider these clays equal to 
the best European. Some descriptions, other than kaolin, 
are as white as wheaten flour I They are quite accessible, 
and in unlimited quantity. 

The supply of labor available for cotton and woolen 
mills is adequate. But, if once established, the supply 
would not be limited either to the city or suburbs ; it could 
be drawn from numerous surrounding villages and towns, 
and at justifiable "wage" rates. Ground for manufacturing 
plants, and homes for a large number of operatives could be 



ADVANTAGES FOR MANUFACTURING. 225 



had at reasonable valuation.s. Such measure of iutelli- 
geiK'c in the operatives — as is required in cotton and woolen 
mills — could readily be obtained, and trained uj) to the re- 
(juired standard. 

Yet, when it is considered, how larae a i)art of the work 
done in a modern manufactory is performed by machinery, 
the nund)er of human hands and eyes to a thousand s])in- 
dles or a hundred looms, is inconsiderable. In a modern 
factory, human labor and skill is reduced to a minimum. 
Invention has given to machinery such ability as formerly 
was possessed only by trained minds and able bodies. 

At St. Louis, within easy reach of the ra^v materials and 
every other auxiliary for cheap production, to establish fac- 
tories of cotton and woolen textiles, and mills for making 
paper and pottery, all that remains to be supplied are, 
First : enterprise and skill ; Secondly : the requisite knowl- 
edge and capital. These, if suitably applied, and the exist- 
ing advantages be ably availed of, success is reasonably as- 
sured. 

The scale is weighted down on the side of St. Louis 
whenever any manufacturing enterprise is in contemplation 
re(juiring a convenient site and commanding home 
nuirket, or both at the same time; but, wdiere are also 
found, cheap fuel, abundant supplies of raw materials, and 
adecpuite labor in skill and volume. 

ST. LOUIS UNITES IN ITS SINGLE SITE, THE POSSESSION OF 
ALL THE KAW MATERIALS AT OIHGIXAL COST, 
THE ADVANTAGES OF THE FIVE GHEAT MANU- 
FACTURING SPOTS OF GHEAT IJHITAIN, 
NAMELY: MANCHESTER, ROCHDALE, 
BIRMINGHAM, SHEFFIELD AND 
STAFFORDSHIRE, ONLY IN 
A HIGHER DEGREE. 

It can be truthfully said, that nature, which has i)ro- 
vided a site so eligible, and furnished means and materials 



226 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

of such magnitude, as are found at this city, for produc- 
tion and CONVERSION in so many departments of human 
skill and industry, including artificial facilities and adjuncts 
for their sale and distribution — all concentrated at a single 
point — is a very rare spot in any country. 

The natural gifts alluded to, joined to an extensive sys- 
tem of transportation, and inter-communication, have pro- 
vided such facilities for the exchange and distribution of 
products as to give this city most excelling advantages. 

But, to some it will appear a large and questionable 
statement to aver, that St. Louis unites in its site and sur- 
roundings most of the advantages in manufactures 
that are possessed by the five great manufacturing spots 
and places of Great Britain. Yet it is true! Man- 
chester, Kochdale, Birmingham, Shefiield and Stafford- 
shire are meant. But, in respect to accessibility to the raw 
materials, both Manchester and Staffordshire have inferior 
positions compared with this city. The first obtains its 
cotton staple from distant foreign countries, and the latter 
does not possess the number of varied and valuable clays 
that are found at St. Louis and vicinity, but obtains mate- 
rial from the continent (of Europe). Eochdale also draws 
its chief supply of wools from other countries. 

It is well known that these five cities and localities 
have been the great centres of the leading manufactures of 
Great Britain, if not of all Europe and the world, for 
many years past. Manchester chiefly in cotton, and Roch- 
dale in woolen textile fabrics ; Birmingham and Sheffield in 
cutlery, machinery, and in all the ])roductions of iron, 
brass, etc. ; and Staffordshire — an extensive area of facto- 
ries — in pottery productions. 

Only one of these cities exceeded in population the city 
of St. Louis, namely: Manchester, which by the last 
British census, 1881, contained a population of 517,649, 
including the inhabitants of its twin sister, the town of 



ADVANTAGES FOR MANUFACTURING. 227 

Srtlford, situated on the opi)()sitc side of the river Irwell. 
According to the same census, Rochdale had a popuhition 
of (i8,866; Birniino-hani of 343,787; Sheffield of 284,508, 
and Staffordshire, in a number of manufacturing towns — 
much scattered — an aggregate manufacturing population of 
about one hundred thousand. 

St. Louis possesses within easy reach an unlimited sup- 
ply of the best varieties of iron, lead, zinc, and num- 
ganese ores, besides fuel in coal and fuel-gas. Cotton and 
wool are obtained at home, and not from foreign and dis- 
tant countries. 

Wherefore, what should hinder the establishment at St. 
Louis of factories for the making of cotton and woolen 
textile fabrics, cutlery and pottery wares? Might not 
these manufactured goods pay as well as others which flour- 
ish here? 

Hence, if the natural advantages found existing at 
St. Louis, are so freely offered, and the crude materials 
are^so abundant and cheap, no further invitation or incent- 
ive to outside manufacturers and capitalists is necessary. 
Investigation would lead to knowledge, thence to action, 
and the latter to results. The intelligent man of business 
needs just sufficient information to enable him to find the 
road, then, he himself will gain all the knowledge required 
to accomplish a safe and satisfactory journey. 

Ca[)able men, who shall be led to nudve in(|uiry into the 
inducements offered for the establishment of cotton, woolen 
and paper mills, and potteries at St. Louis, will — if resid- 
ing abroad — come and make thorough personal examination 
of the field. The field is most inviting, and worthy of the 
most careful investigation and complete consideration, by 
men of experience and skill in the manufacture of cotton 
and woolen textiles, pottery and paper. 

To citizens, capitalists and owners of the real estate of 
this city, a simple word need only be addressed : Is it not 



228 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

a fact, that the rapid rise and progress of your city, as a 
great seat of commerce and manufactures, is to be attrib- 
uted, not too imicJi to its ffrand natural site and mao:niticeut 
surroundings of rich and populous territory, but chiefly to 
the foresight and energy of its active men, who founded, 
first the factories, and then built the raib'oads to carry, 
spread and distribute their manufactured products into all 
the country around, and to numerous distant points. 

We should not be willing simply — under the compul- 
sion of increased demand — to enlaro-e existino; manufac- 
turing plants, but to create new ones, and especially in those 
lines — made to our hand — in the industries named and 
advocated. 

Further, to the great variety of the manufactures and 
products of the mechanic arts, of this city, is to be attrib- 
uted that celebrity which it enjoys as a manufacturing cen- 
tre. In the days of the long range squirrel gun — suited as 
well for the red-skinned foe — the " Hawken" rifle, made at 
St. Louis, led all other arms in the ecjuipment of the early 
pioneers of the great West. But, since that period, a hun- 
dred other instrumentalities of hand-craft and machinery, 
have been potent factors in laying the foundations and 
building the superstructure of St. Louis' greatness. 

Now, at this favorable period, may not cotton, woolen 
and pajjer mills and potteries be added? They will help to 
hasten the full fruition of that period in the history of this 
city, spoken of in the inaugural of its first jNIayor, two 
generations since, as the era " of its might ij futuriti/ !'"* 



* Note. --Address of AVilliam Carr Laue to the "Aldermen," iu 1823. — Author. 



THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 229 



CHAPTER III. 

THK MISSISSIPPI KIVP:H: ITS GREAT AND LASTING VALLE, 

IN CONNECTION WITH AN ISTHMUS KOUTE TO THE 

WEST COASTS OF NORTH AND SOUTH 

AMERICA AND EASTERN ASIA. 



" Upon the threshold now we stand; 
What shall the record be? 
The futui'e stretches far beyond 
Our vision's wildest sea. 
******* 
" Thus, when we meet the problems 
Of our city's Aveal or woe, 
We must meet them single handed — 
We must conquer as we go. 

♦♦ Time waits for no man's hand to turn 
The furrow with the plow ; 
The future fades beyond our sight, 
In the • eternal now.' " 

—l^itsseU i?. Dorr. 



THE " INLAND SEA." ITS FORCES BRIDLED, ITS POWERS IMPROVED— 

AS EXPERIENCE AND SCIENCE DIRECT— THEN, ITS UTILITY 

AS A NAVIGABLE HIGHWAY WILL BE REGAINED. 

The averments of tlie caption are not novel, but refer 
to a practical work and its o^i-md results. They suirgest a 
theme, than which few could be as big with importance or 
money value. They recall the priceless utility of the Mis- 
sissippi prior to the building of railroads, and the falling 
away of its use sinoe the construction of those swift and 
direct means of transit — the railroads — which cany the 
freight and passengers of great districts of country many 
times the traveling population and tonnage of forty years 
ago. But, the river remains; the same mighty flood con- 
tinues to flow, and is still capable of carrying the com- 
merce of a continent! Shall this magnificent stream — the 

14 



230 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

match of which the globe does not furnish — traversing a 
country so rich in resources of- wealth, beauty, and ra- 
tional enjoyment as alone could make life worth living — 
lapse into a tcafer-shed, mainly? Or, shall it be utilized as 
the cheapest outlet for the farm products and the manu- 
factures of the great valley, seeking a European, or Span- 
ish American market? The answer loudly comes — "Use 
it ! Restore the prestige of the Mississippi ; bring back 
the former days of the river's ' glory,' only with brighter 
effulgence !" 

Not all the old boatmen, nor the thoughtful men, allow 
of despondency, but see that "the coming event casts its 
shadow before," when the King of Rivers shall resume his 
sceptre! It is asked by the doul)ting, "when will that 
great event come?" It will come Avhen the Mississippi 
River Commission — of able and scientific engineers — have 
finished their work from the Missouri's mouth toward the 
Gulf, or even sooner, when direct trade shall be opened 
with Spanish America. But, it will flow in a mighty 
stream when an Isthmus route for ships is accomplished. 
Then, from all Pacific Ocean countries — including Asia — 
will come that commerce which, before the Christian Era, 
enriched Tyre and Alexandria. And, centuries after its 
commencement, gave great opulence to Venice, Lisljon and 
Genoa; and, later, to Amsterdam and London. We, of 
St. Louis, can have the same priceless trade, only vastly 
enlarged, provided, we seek it. But, it will be found by a 
shorter and sioifter route: Not by toiling caravans of 
camels, or slow sailing ships requiring a year "in doubling 
the Cape" and returning, but, by steamships, each month, 
bring-ino; and takino; the commodities offered in exchange, 
of which the other has not, and desires to possess, instead 
of that of which either has too much. 

The trafiic of the globe demands a passage through the 
narrow neck joining the two continents, just as the Suez 



THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 231 

Canal became a necessity when the long vo^-ajre, via Good 
Hope, could no longer ])e afforded ))y the world of 
commerce. 

It is not disputed, that there is sufficient enterprise and 
ready capital to construct both an Isthmus Canal and Kail- 
way, at an early day. The indications are encouraging 
that one or two through routes between the two great 
oceans will be opened prior to the commencement of the 
twentieth century, now only a decade distant. 

Did notColum))us sail westward, expecting to find (not 
a midway continent, but) a passage to Asia, and to realize 
the old legend of an open sea (via an equatorial line), and 
the wishful dream of P^uropeans, who sighed that thence 
they might reach the " Far Cathay." * 

Almost two hundred years had elapsed, after LaSalle 
planted a column at the Delta of the Mississippi, and pro- 
claimed possession of the country on behalf of Louis 
Quatorze, in 1682, but still the same shallow mouths of 
the Mississippi remained. The delay in the settlement of 
the great valley was due, in larger part, to the too earlv 
<lay, and the effete Spanish and French governments domi- 
nating the region. But, when the period of Anglo-Saxon 
ownership arrived, in the purchase of "Louisiana," in 
1803; Florida, in 1819; all the vast countries from Mexico, 
under the treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo, in 1848, and of 
the Gadsden purchase in 1853 — at once the people and 
government of the L^nited States took active measures for 
settlement of the Mississippi Valley, including the develop- 
ment of the Great Kiver. And, in less than twenty-five 
3'ears after the last mentioned acquisition of territory, the 
National Government, undertook to adapt the river at the 
mouth to the largest of marine ships with full ocean car- 
goes. Then, the "Jetties" were constructed at the Delta; 



♦ Note.— The name given to China at anil l)efore Coluinbus' Wmc— Author. 



232 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. * 

and, by 1878, a permanent channel of thirty feet depth 
was successfully accomplished. 

Cheap carriage of the cereal crops, destined for Europe 
from St. Louis, viii New Orleans, l)y barges of double the 
present capacity, the transfer of manufactures and produc- 
tions from ships at that port, to and from Spanish 
America, (and ultimately with the countries on both sides 
of the Pacific ocean, via Isthmus routes), are prospective 
means destined to become great factors of wealth, and 
of which St. Louis may avail by the use of ready skill and 
enterprise. A small beginning would shortly grow to 
large proportions, and hasten the fulfillment of St. Louis' 
great destiny as the foremost city of the mighty West ! In 
fact, this city has the greatest possibilities in the heart of 
the Great Valley. It is necessary only to stretch out 
active and able hands to gather in greater wealth — through 
the interchange of our manufactures for the commodities of 
those countries — than all the treasure in the precious 
metals that has ever been, or shall yet be obtained from 
South, Central and North America combined! 

The award by Congress of two million dollars — to the 
"Mississippi River Commission," in 1888, is indicative of 
no cessation of the interest felt by that body in the great 
work of improvements. But, much larger annual appro- 
priations are needed to hasten its completion, and to adapt 
the character of the improvement to the necessary require- 
ments of barges of double the present tonnage draught 
(for carying grain enroute to Europe), and for marine 
ships, as well. The suitahle improvement of the Missis- 
sippi, from the mouth of the Missouri or Illinois down, 
would make it — all things considered — the most valuable 
of all navigable rivers ! 

It is important, that a heartier interest — in and out of 
Congress — be aroused to give a greater impulse to this 
invaluable national work. The ablest of the nation's rep- 



THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 233 

rcsentatives, without regard to party, having always 
favored it, and even declared, that not the national intcrt-st 
only, but national })ride demanded the doing of the work : 
therefore, it seems to be necessary- only to make a vigorous 
appeal to Congress. 

Whilst the River Commission is expending the appro- 
priations 7 */.s/ ff.s- tJni/ are granted — their work goes onward 
too slowly, and (for the want of larger annual awards) 
with only moderately beneficial results. Shall not enlight- 
ened representatives in Congress take special and favor- 
able action tending to larger annual appropriations look- 
ing to the early completion of the work. Let the millions 
of people, who inhabit the vast territory drained by the 
Father of Waters, and are dependent upon cheap freights 
to the Gidf (and beyond) for their great cereal crops — 
be remembered! Railroads cannot, and never will com- 
pete successfully with an improved river in cheap freights 
on grain destined for European ports. 

Science is yearly discovering, experience and observa- 
tion are noting, besides new plans and instrumentalities 
are being devised — for the accomplishment of great works 
in engineering. Then, surely, the deepening and improving 
of the channel courses of the Mississippi only await their 
consummation — with the assurance of the desired utiliza- 
tion — by those means and methods which both science and 
experience shall prove the best. 

It is assumed that, as problems in the task of river improve- 
ments come to be better understood, that the Mississippi 
shall be made to difj out its oirn channel, (as at the, Jetties), 
and so deep iUi to carry its floods freely and harndessly to 
the sea. If so, then hurtful inundations will be unknown, 
and thirty thousand s(iuare miles of cultivatable land — 
rich as that of old Egyi)t — will be reclaimed. But the 
grandest achievement of all will be direct trade with Span- 



234 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



ish America, China, Japan, and all the Eastern countries 
opened to Commerce.* 



SHALL TRADE BE OPENED BETWEEN SAINT LOUIS AND 
SPANISH AMERICA? 



"From ludia, from the regiou of the Sun, 

Fragrant with Spices, — that a way was founcl^ 
A channel opened, and tlie golden stream 

Turned.'" — Samuel Bogers. 



Through the splendid enterprise and adventurous hero- 
ism of the Portuguese navigators and merchants, who 
"doubled" the Cape of Good Hope, with their pioneer 
ships, about the end of the fifteenth centur}^ and 
introduced to their city of Lisbon the priceless " India 
Trade." This they accomplished against great opposition 
of jealous Mohammedan opponents and native rulers. And, 
the prize was only obtained after fearful losses of life and 
capital in the value of ships — lost and destroyed ni Ixittle 
and storms of the seas — during twenty years of the 
contest, which ended in establishing a trade that enriched 
Portugal and ultimately all western Europe! 

After the lapse of four hundred years, as rich as a 
prize awaits the aroused ambition and enterprise of the 
manufacturers and merchants of St. Louis, in the Spanish 
American trade. They are not required to tit out armed fleets, 
at great expense, tilled with fighting men and their costly 
outfit. They are not compelled to wait a score of years 
before laying hands on the prize to be obtained only after 
huo;e sacrifices of men and monev. Thev are not ol)liged 
to make a voyage of twent}^ thousand miles — twice round- 
ing a stormy cape — and consuming a year nearly in the 
circular voyage. They are not constrained to lose a year's 



& XOTE.— The American diplomatic representative (Mr. Childs, of Missouri) 
to Cocliin China, has only recently told us, that country "uses an immense quantity 
of wheateii Hour, and is very favorably disposed to trade with the Unite States." 

— Author. 



THE MIS.si8!sIPPI RIVER. 235 

interest on the capital invested, nor to send coined money 
with which to purchase the desirable commodities which 
they need ! 

On the contrary — under conditions the most favorable 
and inviting — the merchants and manufacturers may send 
their goods, wares and machinery in lieu of mone}^ and 
find it more accceptable in barter than cash could be. 
They arc required to consume not more than one-sixth to 
one-twelfth the time in the round voyage — the distance 
being in similar proportion less — and with only slight loss 
in interest on the capital invested. They are not compelled 
to eipiip armaments, nor tight battles, nor to wait many years 
until rewards shall come and profits flow into their treasury ! 

How different the conditions under which St. Louis 
nuiy I)e enabled to grasp a prize greater than that which the 
hardy and hopeful Portuguese risked their lives and money ! 
The people of Spanish America are not enemies, they are 
friends. No hostile hands are raised to repel, but friendly 
ones are extended to receive and welcome our mariners, 
supercargos and goods. They are anxious to obtain our 
manufactures, and to open reciprocal trade — upon terms 
so favorable, that it is surprising to find them offering 
rewarch — in subsidies of money and exceptional commercial 
privileges — as inducements; and, as if to constrain us to 
visit them and to csta])lisli mutual relations of friendship 
and trade, 

MAY NOT TIIK MISSISSIPPI HE NAVIGATED BY MARINE STEAM- 
SHIPS IN TRADE WITH MEXICO, CENTRAL 
AND SOUTH AMERICA? 

The Great Kiver has been appropriately called an " In- 
land Sea!"* in consideration of its miirhtv volume of water. 



•Note. — That disting-ui«lH'(l and abU- man, .Jdliii ('. ("alliimii, was clionen [iresi- 
dent of a Convention, held at .Mt'iiipliif, in ls:«;, — coniiioSfd of (K-lcKJites from all the 
Valley States, to urKi' ujion Congress tlie imiiro\ cnicnt of the water eoiirse.s of 
the Kri'ii' diftriet ; and, in liis speeeh, he called the Missis.s.iiiii the " Inland Sea. " 
Mr. Calhoun, allhoiijrh votiiiK '" Congress against the " Cumberland tiirni>ike road" 
bill, advocated large appropriations for the hnprovenient of the Great Hiver, 
and branches. — Author. 



236 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. * 

Therefore, marine ships may navigate it — as well as any 
other sea — provided, that their draught does not exceed the 
channel depths. A marine vessel, constructed to navigate 
the open sea and inland seas or rivers as well, Avill be a 
steamship, but mast rigged, as is customary. Yet, if built 
after the ordinary models of inland steamboats, it would 
not be adapted to marine navigation. 

Nevertheless, it is claimed by Andrew H. Lucas, of 
St. Louis, that he has by his invention of a double, or 
cloven hull, and an adjustable keel, accomplished the nec- 
essary conditions in the construction of a river-marine 
steamship — adapted at once to river and ocean service. 
He cries Eureka ! and promises Avith his ship to make round 
voyages between this city and Spanish America, and to 
calculate with certainty dates for regular departure and 
arrival. 

A company has been formed b}^ Mr. Lucas and his 
friends, who are actively btriving to build a trial steam- 
ship of one thousand tons carrying capacity. They wish 
to construct the vessel during the ensuing twelve months, 
that she may enter the trade in the spring of next year, 
1890. The company has obtained the offer of a valuable 
subsidy in money from the Argentine Republic, together 
with the most encouraging inducements in special com- 
mercial privileges. And, not alone from that republic, but 
from Mexico and several other governments of Central 
and South America, offers of l)oth subsidies and privileges, 
most rare and valuable, have been received by the company, 
which has availed of direct and influential correspondence 
with those enterprising states. 

The question of direct trade — by water — between St. 
Louis and Spanish America is of such commanding im- 
portance to the manufacturers and merchants, as to be 
supremely worthy their attention, to the end that a thor- 
ough and complete investigation of the subject, in all its 



THE LUCAS STEAMSHIP. 237 



bearings, be made. Wliat more engaging visions of wealth 
•could be presented to the tliouglitful investigator, and en- 
terprising man than through (livect trade with Spanish 
America — a country so rich in the rarest and most desiralde 
natural productions? These, St. Louis buys in immense 
•quantity, and i)ays the profits of two or three middle 
men. This city also loses the profit on its manufactures, 
which could be l)artered for the i)roductions of that coun- 
try, besides having the carrying both ways. 

There is more wealth to be accjuired in this trade than 
the Spanish invaders obtained from the accunmlated wealth 
of the Incas, which once ol)tained, ended forever ! While 
trade with Spanish America would flow toward us in an 
unceasing golden stream I 

THE LUCAS STEAMSHIP: IS THE COST OF AN EXPEKIMENTAL 

SHIP JUSTIFIED BY THE VALUE OF THE SPANISH- 

AMEKK'AN TRADE IT PROPOSES TO REACH? 

The Lucas invention is of St. Louis birth, and, as such 
it deserves friendly consideration. Its novelty and grand 
pretensions, have attracted the curious attention of citizens 
at large, including citizens of other states, and of foreign 
•countries. It has drawn the gratified attention and con- 
sideration of the Mexican, Central and South American 
Kepublics. But, few persons have undertaken to exi)ress 
any opinion of its adaptation to the peculiar field of navi- 
gation it proposes to enter — that of river-marine service, 
as a carrier of freight (and passengers, the latter at first 
incidentally) between this city and Spanish-American ports 
— assuming to occupy the place of the ^>/oucc>" in trade 
with our rich neighbor lands. 

No competent critic has yet been found to deny that it 
has merit, and no one has yet pronounced adversely upon 
its adaptation to accomplish the results it claims to be able 
.to secure. Therefore, both the public and private opinion 



238 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



is in abeyance, but with a preponderance decidedly in favor* 
of the Lucas ship. 

Nevertheless, no person who is unacquainted with ship-^- 
building, or the special requirements of a steamship- 
— suited to the trade of those parts of Spanish-America 
with which St. Louis desires to trade — is able to sive- 




'•the LUCAS MODEL SHIP 



THE LUCAS STEAMSHIP. 23i> 

any reliable opinion relative to the merits of the St. Louis 
invention. And, such persons scarce dare venture to ask 
the (juestion : Is the I^ucas ship worthy, does it deserve 
encouragement and a trial? These, however, are perti- 
nent (juestions, just at the present time, when the mind 
of many persons is turned, not only in(]uiringly, hut 
solicitously toward Spanish-America, as a most [)r()mising 
Eldorado ! 

The prevalent opinion is that the Lucas steamship 
would be an experiment ! Let that opinion be admitted, 
in order to follow the iiKjuiry to a satisfactory conclusion. 
Then, on the other hand, it may be asked of a doubter, 
whether he has any other plan, or, has any other model of a 
steamship been offered for trial ? Has another man a differ- 
ent and better plan of a ship by which to secure the desider- 
atutn of a combined marine-river ship, and one capable of 
carrying an adequately pacing cargo to the tr()i)ics, and 
return from thence Avitk a corresponding load of paying 
freight volume? 

The answer is: "No nuin has any substitute for the 
Lucas model!" Then, in \ie\v of the })ossil)ilities and 
knf)\vn facts, the expenditure of a sum necessary to build 
a steamship on the Lucas model is both desirable and justi- 
fiable. It could not fail wholly of success, and if it 
succeeded in part only — it is most worthy a trial. And, if 
the money invested in a steamship on the Lucas model 
were to be a total loss, (which is impossible), still the 
investment would be a projx-r business adventure, in view 
of the great prol)iibility of its success. It would be a 
grand event if, through its instrumentalitv, a priceless 
trade should be gained, whose extent and value would 
yearly increase and continue during the lives of iit least 
the present generation, if not for all time I 



240 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



CHAPTER IV. 



TRADE BETWEEN SAINT LOUIS AND SPANISH AMERICA BY 

STEAMSHIP. 



" Others, like mercliauts, venture trade abroad." — Shakespeare. 
"He set himself whollv to mind the P^ast India trade." — Burnet. 



The sailing ship, as a carrier of commerce, was em- 
ployed hundreds of years prior to the Christian Era, by 
nations eno^ag-ed in foreign trade. The "caravan" of 
laden camels, was admirably suited for inter-tratfic by 
land routes, as between Tyre and Persia and countries 
beyond. Also, between Carthage and the interior parts of 
Africa. 

Tyre, Carthage and Alexandria were the principal 
maritime cities of that early period. It is presumed, if not 
conclusively known, that the ships sent by Hiram, King of 
Tyre, and Solomon, King of Jerusalem, made their voy- 
ages to "Ophir," via the route of the present Suez Canal 
— reconstructed by the enterprise of DeLesseps — and, 
coastinfi the countries they visited, returned by the same 
route, after a " voyage of three years." At a later period, 
under conditions of improved construction, the Tyrean 
and Carthagenian ships were the "best sailors afloat." 
The admirable model of the Carthagenian ships, having 
been copied by the Romans, they were enabled to assail 
Carthage successfully, by utilizing their own sailing squad- 
rons. The fine model of the Roman vessels encouraged 



TRAFFIC WITH SPANISH-AMERICA. 241 

Cuto to i)r()ii()unco his famous fulniination — presaging 
war — " Carthage must be destroyed I" 

The adventurous Phoenicians, with a ooninicndal)le zeal 
to extent! their connnerce and enrich themselves, sailed out 
of the Mediteranean Sea and into the Atlantic Ocean, 
" irltJiout a cot/)j)af<n,'' and with rudder onlvl 

Are the merchants and manufacturers of St. Louis les.s 
adventurous and enterprising than the Phcenician "mer- 
chant princes," after the lapse of more than two thousand 
years, and having the use of all the imi)rovements and 
discoveries of the intervening period — including steam- 
shi[)s — a thorough knowledge of navigation and the mari- 
ner's compass? They would not admit any personal infe- 
riority, while rightfully claiming superioritv I 

Then, shall not the merchants and manufacturers of St. 
Louis imitate, and outdo, the successful Tj-reans? And 
shall they not declare after the manner of the Roman 
Senator, whilst (not " carrying a war into Africa,"' but) 
sending their ships with peaceful intentions to Spanish 
America, ^^ flie trade, it must be established f 

No great improvement was made in the model of sailinir 
ships until after the discovery of the Mariner's Compass. 
But, shortly after that event — coming near the period of 
the discovery of the art of printing — it ushered into the field 
of commerce a fresh impulse of adventurous enterprise, 
(just as printing developed a new era of intellectual light!) 
The Portuguese, in 1497, (under the famous Vasco de 
(Jama, with his ships), "doubled" the Cape of Good Hope, 
reached the "farther hide,'' and returned to Lisbon, 
bringing the wealth of the "East." 

That wealth — in the rare and costly fabrics in silks, 
fine muslins, stuffs and shawls of Persia and China : and 
the spices of the East Indian Archi[)eIago and Arabia — the 
opulent city of \'enice (the ''/ad// of the Adriatic "), had 
long been accustomed to monoijoli/.c. Her shi[)s and 



242 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

*' supercargos," or agents, regularly met the caravans from 
Eastern and Central Asia, at the ports of Asia Minor and 
Eo;ypt. But at length, the pre-eminence of Venice is about 
to depart and the golden tide to be turned into a port of 
western Europe. Her opulence and commanding influence 
are to become only traditions of her mighty past ! 

" Thus did Venice rise, 
Thus flourish, till tlie unwelcome tidings came, 

That a wav was opened, and the golden stream 
Turned to enrich another. Then she felt 
Her strength departing, and at last she fell." 

— Samnel Eorjers, 

Columbus, guided by the compass, sailed confidingly 
■westward, seeking a more direct water route to " India." At 
the present day, Ave are certain to reach the country we wish, 
and know the route where to find unmeasured wealth. 

Fulton's successful experiment, in 1807, with his ship, 
the Clermont, the first complete steamboat, was a great 
surprise — even to his friends — to whom he had made known 
his plans and confident belief in the perfection of his 
steamboat. 

But, it was not until thirty-one years later, that the 
ocean steamships, the Sirius and Great "Western, reached the 
city of New York from England, having been the earliest 
steamships to cross the Atlantic. At the present day, 
steam has largely superceded sailing ships, especially be- 
tween distant parts of the globe. Steam vessels have 
been adopted l)y every commercial nation, now that speed 
has become the prime element of success. 

Steamships are emplo3^ed in the navigation of the great 
rivers of all countries. Only such as are of shallow or 
lisfht draught can enter the smaller rivers, or cross the 
"bars" at the entrance of greater rivers, upon which 
some of the most important cities of commerce are located ; 
and, whose surrounding country is amongst the richest of 



TRAFFIC WITH SPANISH-AMERICA. 243 

■any, especially upon the contiiieut of Anioric-a. The 
more profitable carriers of passengers and freiirht — the 
larirer steamships — arc enabled to enter only the bays and 
great rivers of the Atlantic coast and (xulf of Mexico, and 
are mainly eni[)l<)yed in ocean navigation. 

The improvements in the model of ocean steamships — 
since the first successful attenii)t to cross the Atlantic — con- 
:sists chiefly in means of propulsion, economy of fuel and 
greater speed. Eighteen to twenty-one days were cm- 
ployed in the earlier years for the transit of the l)est steam- 
ships between Europe and America, whilst seven are now 
sufficient for the passage. 

The steamship demanded at the present period, should 
be one of such model, that whilst uniting speed, strength 
and large carrjMUg capacity, shall also ])c adapted to enter 
the snuiUer rivers, cross bars at the mouth of rivers, 
and serve the purpose of marine and river navigation — all 
without "lighterage" of cargo. Such a steamship is the 
desideratum of our day ! The size of such a ship must be 
determined by the vo3'^age and ports she is intended to 
" make," For such trade as St.ljouis would seek earliest 
in Spanish America, the size would probabl}- be one thou- 
sand tons carrying capacity; and, the ship would visit such 
ports as should enable her to make monthly' round voyages. 

Some one will inquire, " Can such a novel or useful 
steamship be constructed, and is it reasonable to suppose 
that inventive genius could accomplish such a wonder in 
river-marine ship architecture? " A suitable answer might 
be, that the wonders accomplished in mechanics in the con- 
struction of the land ploiv, — including mould board and 
coulter — within the last generation, would encourage the 
expectation of a great improvement u[)on the model of 
ships with which io jjloir tJie iraters! 

The improvement must be in the Tceel of the ship. It 
Avas that which enabled the American yacht, at the last 



244 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 




_jm rufi] rsm lk| ' ' '''' '' '^ 



mwf f 



THE LUCAS stka:msihp. 



245 



trial of speed with her British rival, to still maintain the 
supreniaev — leavinii' the hitter far in her wake I 

It is in the keel, that Andrew II. Lucas claims to have 
found the key to unlock the shallow waterways of the con- 
tinent, and to cross bars at the mouth of bays and great 
rivers — with a steamship carryinir an ample cargo. 

If \\v has truly sohed the j)r()I)lem, which has hitherto 
been sealed and beyond the "• ken " of ship builders, then, 
wealth in the oommeice of nations will be increased a 
thousand fold! And, some of the most valuable produc- 
tions of the interior of continents, Avhich now perish to the 
value of millions annually, will Ix' saved I 







|;|jlf[||g!.|'"l« ■': . , „ i 





I.I i;:\iAN ri.M) I I'.s'r.wr oui'hans ihimi:. 

TA-KKS ( IHI.DHKN Wil.lKH T UKr.AlM) 1 < ) NATIONALITY. OH ( HI.KI) OF TIIK 1"AIII■•.^•T^ 



15 



246 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



CHAPTER V. 



A DESCIUPTION OF THE MISSISSIPPI AND MISSOURI RIVERS. 



"Beautiful, sublime aud glorious; 
Mighty, majestic, foaming, free — " 

— Bernard Barton. 



Well might the Mississippi be called the Great River, 
or the "Inland Sea," in consideration of the mighty vol- 
ume of its waters which flow in ceaseless majesty ever 
onward to the ocean I But the great magnitude of the 
Missouri and Mississippi rivers are worthy of special 
mention. 

The Basin of the Mississippi, of which St. Louis is the 
key, comprises an area of 2,455,000 scjuare miles. It 
extends through thirty degrees of longitude and twenty- 
five of latitude, an area greater than that of all Europe, 
when Russia, Sweden and Norwa}' are left out of the 
account. 

The basin of the Upper Mississippi has an area of 
1(59,000 square miles, and a height of 1,680 feet above the 
sea level. 

The Mississippi at 1,330 miles above its mouth, or at 
the confluence of the Missouri, has a width of 5,000 feet, 
and a mean discharge of 105,000 cubic feet per second. 
The Missouri is 3,000 feet wide at its mouth, with a mean 
discharge of 120,000 cubic feet per second, and the area of 
the basin is 518,000 square miles. The Lower Mississippi 
has a width of 2,470 feet, at its mouth, and its basin com- 
prises an area of 1,244,000 square miles. Its mean dis- 
charge per second is 675,000 cubic feet. The Mississippi 



THE DELTA OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 247 

jiiul its tributaries afford an internal navigation of 9,000 
miles for steamboats, and 6,000 miles more for flat boats 
and timber rafts. The main stream, from its mouth ta 
St. Paul, is 1944 miles, and from St. Anthony's Falls to 
Sauk Rapids, 80 miles. The Missouri is navigable at ordi- 
nary water to a point 60 miles above the mouth of the 
Yellowstone, distance 1,894 miles, and at high water to 
Fort Benton, 2,644 miles, from its confluence with the Mis- 
sissippi. 

THE DELTA OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 



The mighty flood, flows iu silent majesty ever onward! 



Don Alonzo Alvarez Peneda coasted the Gulf of Mex- 
ico with his ships, in 1519, and discovered the mouths, or 
Delta of the Mississippi River, which he named the Rio 
Grande del Espiritu-Santo, (or River of the Holy Ghost). 

The story of the Chevalier La Salle's expedition from 
Canada, in batteaux, with a small party, the first to 
descend the Mississippi to its mouth, his arrival at the 
Delta, in 1682; the planting of the Cross, and taking 
possession of the country in the name of his sovereign, 
Louis XIV, King of France, is familiar to all readers. 
But, it remained for later Frenchmen to explore and survey 
the Great River at its mouth. This was done in 1720, and a 
description of the Mouths, or "Passes" was then given, 
but not accurately until in later years.* The three prin- 
cipal Passes are known and designated as the South-West 



* Note. — Monp. PanRer, ii French royal engineer, in 1720, by order of the Gov- 
ernor, (Bienville), made a survey of the Delta of the Mississippi, and of all the 
passes, bars and channels below the (present) site of New Orleans; by which it 
was determined that the site selected by the Governor niif^hf be made a commercial 
port of the iirovince, and shortly afterwards the ])rincii)ul Depot and Olliccs of the 
«' India Company " were established at that site, to which was given the name of 
New Orleans. — Author. 




THE EOE BUILDING. 



THE DELTA OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 249' 

Pass, South Pass, and Pass aLoutre. From skillful surveys, 
by order of the United States, it was found, that the first 
and last named disehar<red each forty-five per cent, and the 
Soutii Pass ten per cent of the volume of the River into 
the Gulf; that the depth oi water on the bar at Pass 
a'Loutre was about twelve feet, at South Pass eight feet, 
and at South-Wcst Pass fifteen feet. These surveys were 
nuide prior to the commencement of the building of the 
"Jetties," which were constructed by that able and dis- 
tinguished engineer, Captain James B. Eads, of St. Louis, 
and completed in 1878. The year following it was ascer- 
tained, that the depth of water m the South Pass — improved 
by the construction of the Jetties — was increased to thirty 
feet seven inches, and now — after the la})se of ten years — 
the depth is no less. 

Near the Pass a'Loutre is the site of the old " Balize" 
village, (settled l)y the French more than one hundred and 
fifty years since). After that name, that ]Mouth, or Pass 
of the River, has always been designated and called the 
"Balize." 

The Delta of the Great River is full eleven hundred 
miles — by the devious windings of the stream — from Cape 
Girardeau, ^Fissouri, which is fifty miles above the con- 
fluence of the Ohio with the Mississippi, Scientists have 
confidently asserted, that at a remote period in the ages 
past, the Delta of the Mississippi existed no lower down 
than at, or just north of the present mouth of the ,Ohio. 
Probably it was near the " Cape," (at which point the level 
of the River, at low water, is 285 feet above the sea at the 
Gulf), and, that then — when the ocean extended north to 
that point — the waters of the Mississippi must have fallen 
over rocks one hundred feet higher than the Falls of 
Niagara I 

Rocks have been located and found in situ, by compe- 
tent civil engineers, on both sides of the Mississippi, twenty 



250 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY, 



miles below the mouth of the Ohio. Trees and logs have 
been found, by boring and excavating, at great depths in 
numerous places along the course of the Mississippi towards 
the Gulf; and it has long been known, that a vast volume 
of drift in trees, logs, etc., find lodgment at the Delta, and 
— together with millions of tons of soil in solution con- 
stantly descending the mighty River — they gradually form 
in compact masses of solid land, and thus extend the Delta 
further and further into the Gulf of Mexico. In the same 
manner it is claimed, that the soil of the Great Valley was 
gradually formed during the long years of the past. 




hurst's hotel. 



THE GREAT STEEL BRIDGE. 251 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE GREAT STEEL HKIDGE SPANXIXG THE MISSISSIPl'I 
AT SAINT LOUIS. 



The briclii'o when it was coinpletod, tif teen years since, 
ranked amongst the few o;i-eat steel arched bridges of the 
-world, and received the universal admiration. Some details 
of this magnificent structure might interest the general 
reader and others who have had only a " passing" sight 
■of the bridge. Two towering piers rise out of the water — 
between the abutments on either shore of the *' Father of 
Waters," — all are of hewn stone. Three graceful arches of 
steel span the intervening spaces, each 520 feet in length. 
The huge piles of masonry rest upon the solid rock, which 
underlies the river b'ed. The west pier is planted a depth of 
ninetA'-one feet. The foundation of the east pier is one 
hundred and twenty-seven feet below high water. The great 
iron "caisson," at its bottom, was sunk eighty-two feet to 
the solid rock, and in it was built the foundation — of 
cemented stone. The abutments are one hundred and thirty- 
tivc feet below high water. The masonry in the l)ridge 
measured sixty-nine thousand cubic yards; the iron 
weighed six million three hundred thousand pounds; and 
the steel arches drew four million seven hundred and 
eight thousand pounds. The bridge is of two stories, 
and the great arches carry two double railway tracks. 
Over all, is a highway of seventy-five feet width, for car- 
riages and foot passengers. The bridge is without roof, 
and its top elevation affords a fine view of the river 
and surroundings. The length of the bridge between 
the abutments is 2,225 feet. The clear "headway" is 
fiftv-five feet above ordinarv high water. This magnificent 




I 1 lilllllliniliiiiiliiHliiliiii II 



THE GREAT STEEL BRIDGE. 253- 

work — of skillful ('njrinecriuii' and niecliaiiical ability — ro- 
(juiied seven years in its construction, and was finished 
in 1874. The distinguished builder, James B. P^ads, 
also constructed the "Jetty" system, at the Delta of the 
Mississippi, under contract with the National Government. 
The well deserved fame of that eminent citi/en has served to 
heighten the reputation of St. Louis for producing capable 
and noted men. The achievements of James B. Eads, as a 
practical engineer, affords a conspicuous illustration that the 
acts of a useful citizen raises both himself, and the commu- 
nity in which he lives and labors, to a higher plane of honor 
and distinction. 

But, great credit is due to all the other promoters and 
builders of this great railway bridge — the municipality and 
public spirited private citizens. Citizens devoted a munifi- 
cent share of their private fortunes in taking the stock of 
the bridge company, and looked beyond their personal in- 
terest in order to serve the interests of the community. 
These citizens deserve to have their names cut upon a mon- 
umental shaft — in testimony of their splendid enterprise, 
and in grateful attestation of their self-devotion to the in- 
terests. of their fellow citizens. 

CITY OF EAST SAINT LOUIS, (ILLINOIS). 

The young Cit}' of East Saint Louis, is situated on the 
east side of the Mississippi river, in the county of Saint 
Clair, and State of Illinois. It lies directly opposite the 
City of St. Louis, and was, previously to twenty years since, 
known as Illinois Town. The two sides of the Great River 
are connected by several steam ferries, and the magnificent 
steel railway bridge. The latter will shortly be supplement- 
ed by another similar structure, only of even greater 
strength. The new bridge will cross the Mississii)pi, two 
miles north of the present bridge, at Venice, situated in 
Madison County, State of Illinois, to Ferry street, St . Louis. 



254 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

The numerous railways, which approach St. Louis from 
the East side of the River, pass through East St. Louis — 
to cross the Great Bridge, thence via the Tunnel to reach 
the LTnion Railway Depot in St. Louis. The distance, from 
the Eastern approach of the bridge to the end of the Tun- 
nel at the depot, slightly exceeds two miles. 

East St. Louis has a municipal government similar to 
that of St. Louis, and is a rising town. It is specially 
mentioned in this treatise in order to state, that it is no 
part of the city of St. Louis, but it has a most intimate 
relation to the great city on the opposite side of the river, 
and its low topography strongly contrasts with the ele- 
vated site of this city. A bluff of limestone rock, formerly 
skirted a portion of the river front, near which commence 
a succession of grand plateaux — reaching far back into 
the country, and extending manj^ miles up and down the 
stream — giving grandeur to the elevated site of St. Louis. 
The interests of East St. Louis are closely identified with 
those of its greater neighbor — much like Jersey City 
towards New York City. 

East St. Louis sits on a part of the river front of 
the great "American Bottom "of alluvial land, and was 
subject to an annual inundation prior to the construction of 
a d}/ke at the edge of the river. But, its street level 
required, (and still requires) to be raised, in which respect 
it resembles the orio-inal surface of Chicaa^o. East St. 
Louis has a very promising future. 

THE RAILWAY TUNNEL— CONSTRICTED BENEATH THE MOST 
POPULOUS PART OF THE CITY. 

A description of the bridge would be incomplete unless 
accompanied by another of the tunnel, which is the indis- 
pensable adjunct of the former and supplies all the requi- 
site facilities of transit through the city Avithout inter- 
fering with the use of the streets. This was accomplished 



THE RAILWAY TUNNEL. 255 



b}' cutting below the apex of the bluff, which fringes 
the river to the height of thirty feet above the level of 
Front street. The elevation of the bridge above the sur- 
face of "high water" is at the viinimum, with a suitable 
regard to navigation. The tunnel commences at the 
western end of the bridge, at Third street, follows Wash- 
ington avenue to Seventh street, then turns toward the 
southwest to Eighth street, and pursues the line of the 
latter to Clark avenue, at which point a short open cut 
brings it to the level of the railroad tracks (at the Union 
Depot), which are laid upon the depression of what was 
formerlj "Mill-Creek" valley. 

The length of the tunnel is 4,88G feet. Its construction 
was accomplished by cutting downward from the street 
level. A wall of massive masonry was built on either 
side, and one in the center, over which two parallel arches 
of brick, of ^ great strength, were constructed, each 
from the center wall. Finally, the earth was replaced, 
and the top surface reconstructed in the best manner. 
The tunnel has two tracks, with a massive division wall. 
A collision of trains is an impossibility. 

The quantity of earth which was removed in dig- 
ging the tunnel, measured two hundred and tifteen 
thousand cubic yards. The walls re(|uired fifty thousand 
cubic yards of stone, and the arches thirteen million bricks. 
The height of the tunnel is sixteen feet, six inches. 
Its length from the southwestern end — including the 
bridge — to the level of the railway approach at East St. 
Louis, is two miles and a twelfth. 

The cost of the bridge and tunnel construction, was 
six and a half million dollars; but, through the accrued 
interest, damages, etc., the amount was swelled to nearly 
ten million! The time occupied in the construction of 
these gigantic works was seven years. The bridge is a 
marvel of modern engineering. It is claimed, that no 
other bridge of the arch or truss pattern, will bear com- 
parison with it for strength, and beauty! 



256 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 




EAST END IMPROVED PROPERTY. 257 



CHAPTER VIl. 



THE PHESKNT IMJOSPErrS AND FUriHE OF EAST END IM- 
PROVED PROPEKTV. 



It is a question that has been fruitful of earnest dis- 
■cussion and debate in coniniunity — especially by the much 
interested owners — what shall the future be of the old East 
End real estate? Once the seat and center of all the whole- 
sale and retail business of this city — in all departments of 
merchandise and manufactures — shall it continue to decline 
in income value, or does it possess an intrinsic (quality — 
-ever Clinging to it — which, together with active effort favor- 
ing, shall prove the possession of a vital power that shall 
raise it up again to special usefulness and much greater 
vahie? 

It is, however, a fair opinion — based on knowledge and 
observation — that the old East End improved property 
reached its lowest point of practical valuation in 1888; 
and, that during the current year of 1889, this opinion 
will be conclusively justified by its rising appreciation. 

No dislike prompted the earlier and later removals 
from the old district ; but the dealers in dry goods, 
ch)thiiig, l)oots and shoes, hats, etc., recjuired more capa- 
cious and eligible buildings — suited to the times and a 
ra[)idly expanding trade, which demanded the change. 
The growth of the trade of this city still requires numy 
more stores and warehouses than the old ))usiness section 
sui)plied or could ever furnish. 

It is certain, however, that the movement westward to 
larger and more eligible buildings would not have com- 
menced as earlv and been so trenerallv followed \)\ those 



258 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



classes of merchants, had suitable accommodations in store 
buildings been offered by property owners in the shape of 
neiv stores and warehouses. The}^ would, in numerous cases, 
haye remained. And, at the present time, it is incumbent 
on owners of East End property for their profit, more than 
property salvation, to reconstruct and rebuild their stores 
such as shall conform to the present greatly im- 
proved plans, including modern conveniences, taste and 
strength. 

The eligibility of situation of East End property can not 
be taken aw^ay from it. It possesses advantages for cer- 
tain leading lines of valuable business — than which no other 
locality is as suitable — and, the location will continue to be 
preferred. But, a necessar}^ condition attaches, that new 
and enlarged buildings of modern descriptions shall be 
reared upon the foundations of the old buildings, which 
forty years since were large, strong and fine enough, but 
are no longer adequate to the business requirements and 
tastes of the present day. 




ST. Paul's German evangelical chuuch. 

NINTH ST. AND LAFAYETTE AV. 



THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

PART SBVKNTH. 



CHAPTER I. 
THE MERCHANTS' EXCHANGE OF ST. LOUIS. 



"The busy mart, let Justice still coutrol 
Weishino; the guerdon to the toil." — Schiller. 



OFFICERS OFTIIK MKKCHAXTS' EXCHANGE, FOR THE ENSUING YEAR— 
FROM JANUARY 9th, 1889. 

At an election held at the Merchants' Exchange, Jan- 
uary 9th, 1889, -the following gentlemen were elected for 
the ensuing year : 
Charles A. Cox, President. 

Alexander Euston, First Vice-President. 

Hugh A. Rogers, Second Vice-President. 

DIRECTORS : 

1888 -'89. 1889- '90. 

Frank Gaiennie, Charles F, Okthavein, 

Charles P. Burr, I. B. Ambs, 

Henry W. Chandler, John B. Gondolpho, 

Isaac M. Mason, R. M. Hubbard, 

John C. Fears. C. H. Spencer. 

Twelve gentlemen were api)ointed to the Committee of 
Appeals, and ten to that of Ar))itration. 

And, George H. Morgan was re-appointed Secretary 
and Treasurer. 

This important body of business men are the rep- 
resentatives of every branch of the commerce, manufac- 
tures and business of St. Louis. Their influence is com- 

259 



260 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

mensiirate Avith all the great interests of the cit3^ The 
Merchants' Exchange is not solely devoted to the promotion 
of the private and personal business of its members, but, 
it originates and engages in works and measures of great 
importance looking to the advancement of the public wel- 
fare. The membership of the Exchange numbers nearly 
thirty-three hundred, and comprises men of the highest 
standing for character, ability and wealth — accustomed 
to enterprise, activity and push. In energy and intelli- 
gence, they are not surpassed by any similar organization, 
and keep fully abreast-of-the-times ! 

The Exchange Building is situated at Third, Chestnut 
and Pine streets. It fronts 187 feet on each of the last 
two streets, and has a grand frontage of 233 feet and 
main entrance on Third street. 

A portion of the basement on Third street is utilized 
for eliirible offices. Three loftv stories rise above, and are 
also occupied for offices — on either side of ample hall- 
ways. At the north end, are the offices of the board of 
directors, secretary and treasurer. The reading-room 
adjoins these, and contains files of the leading commercial 
journals of the United States and foreign countries. 

A spacious double stairway — constructed of massive 
black walnut in elaborate carved work — leads to the en- 
trance of the Grand Hall of the Exchange. The Hall is 
221 1-2 feet in length, 92 feet 10 inches in width, and 80 
feet in height. An elevated gallery occupies the four sides 
of the hall. The lofty ceiling is finished in elaborate fresco 
work and paintings in panels. In their general details 
these are strikingly elegant, but the tout en semhle is grand ! 
The chandeliers and jets, Avhen lit at night, give out the 
appearance of such splendor as to bring to mind the palaces 
in the ' ' Tales of the Arabian Nights ! ' ' 

Few public halls in the United States are equal to the 
Merchants Exchange in size and splendor. The west 



262 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



half of the buikling accominodates the Grand Chamber 
above, and below, a spacious hall of entrance and exit 
from, and to Pine and Chestnut streets. It com- 
prises all the ordinary adjuncts found in other halls and 
offices which such great public commercial edihces re(iuire. 
Daily sessions of the Merchants' Exchange are held in 
the Cxrand Hall during 'change hours, which open at 11 
o'clock A. M., and close at 1:15 p. m. Visitors to the 
floor are only admitted through a member. 

The entire cost of the Exchange Building, including the 
grounds, was eighteen hundred thousand dollars ($1,800,- 
000.00). Its exterior walls are principally of Warrens- 
burg, Missouri, sandstone. It was completed and opened 
for use in December, 1875. Well may this large, active 
and able body of the business men of Saint Louis be proud 
of their grand and useful structure ! 

THE DECORATION OF THE GRAND HALL OF THE MERCHANTS 

EXCHANGE. 

The ceiling, including the cornice and border, is 99 by 
215 feet, but,'' exclusive of them, is 50 by 179 feet, and is 
divided into three compartments or panels, each containing 
a beautiful painting in colors. 

The fisures of the centre panel are emblematic of St. 
Louis— surrounded by typical groups of the agricultural, 
mineral and industrial products of the Mississippi A^alley. 
The groups of figures at the north end of the hall are repre- 
sentrtives from^he four quarters of the globe— bring- 
in «• their various offerings to the Great West; and, with 
arms outstretched, they offer their products in exchange. 
The two figures, below these groups, are representatives 
'of the West and include the Mississippi River. 

The other two panels are in divisions, each contain- 
incr four smaller panels— with paintings, etc., representing 
the industries of the State of Missouri, in basso-relievo. 



TlIK MKKCHAXTS KXC1IAN(4E. 



263 



The nationalities represented in the north panel, are 
characteristic types of European nations — England, Ger- 
many, Italy, France, Scotland, and Ireland — and form a 
central group. Russia, Switzerland, Spain, Sclavonia, 
European Turkey, and Greece are represented by the sur- 
rounding groups. 

The south panel i)artly represents characteristic types 
of Asia and Africa, including Arabia, Egypt, Judea, China 
and Japan, which form the principal group, and are sur- 
rounded b}' Ethiopia, Caucasia, India, Persia, Abyssinia 
and Mongolia. 

The cornice of the ceiling, (including the spandrels 
and lunettes over the windows), forms a border twenty 
feet in width, and contains the names of the States of the 
Union, together with the merchant flags of the Nations 
in panel work. 




ST. IMAIJK > l-,\ A.M. 1,1, It \[. l.l 1 lll,li,\.N niUKClI. 
(Tti;v. .M. UIIOUES, D.U.) 



THE COTTON EXCHANGE. 265 



CHAPTER 11. 



THE SAINT LOUIS COTTON EXCHANGE. 



OI'VK'KKS KOU TIIK YKAU TO KND, OtTOHKK ISSV). 

(irsTAv Rosenberg, President. 

T. C. "Witherspoon, Vice President. 
C. W. Simmons, Secretary'. 

H. AV. Young, Assistant Secretary. 

DIRECTORS : 

J. N. Stegall, Wm. M. Senter, 

August Taussig, Jerome Hill, 

Thos. H. West. J. H. Cogswell. 
Vj. Baker. 

Saint Louis is the largest inland cotton market in the 
United States. The Sf. Louis Cotton Association was 
organized, October 17, 1873. During the following year, 
it was noticeal)le that the organization exerted a very practi- 
cal influence on the cotton trade of this city. On the 4th 
day of August, 1874, a new charter was adopted, and the 
name changed to "Cotton Exchange." At this period, 
the membership Nvas small ; but, it soon increased in num- 
bers and efficiency. Prior to 1872, the "fleecy" staple 
was received only in moderate quantity at St. Louis, but, 
in less than six years — from the organization of the Ex- 
change — the receipts reached, in the season of 1879-80, 
the number of 480, 000 bales. The membership, in less 
than eight years, had increased to ui)\vard of three hun- 
dred actiye and intluential men, engaged in the cotton 
trade, including some from the Eastern States, and Europe. 
The business had now grown to such proportions as to 



266 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



demand more eligible accommodations for the transaction 
of the business. At this period the present handsome and 
capacious Exchange Building was erected. It was opened 
with special eclat, on the 4th day of Ma}^ 1882, and the 
occasion was accompanied with speeches and music. The 
Exchange Hall is of fine dimensions, tasteful in frescoes 
and embellishments, whilst the location is most eligible. 
The Cotton Exchange has continued to prosper, and is 
a most valuable adjunct to the commerce of this city. It 
has aided very powerfully to bring the cotton States in 
closer fellowship with, and to bu}^ from St. Louis a much 
larger part of their "supplies" — in merchandise and manu- 




COTTON 1\CUV^(.1 BLIIDINtr 



factures, machinery and utensils. Besides, the cotton 
trade has given profitable employment to the existing rail- 
roads, and demanded the building of more. These have 
greatly increased the direct trade with the southwest — 
in a constant and sw^elling volume. The cotton received, 
comes chiefly from the States of Arkansas, Texas, and 
from Indian Territory ; but, also in a moderate degree from 
Tennessee, Mississippi and Southeast Missouri. Great 
credit is due to the ofiicers and membership of the Cotton 



THE COTTON EXCHANGE. 267 

Exchange for their enterprise ; and to the cotton factors for 
their liberality to consignors in drought years. Just weight 
and fair dealings — are marked characteristics of the factors 
who receive the cotton coming to this city. 

The cotton year closes annually the last day of August. 
The following figures show the business of the year, end- 
ing August 31, 1888: 

STATEMENT. 
TOTAL RECKII'TS COTTON, 1887-88. BALES* 

Gross Recoipts 527,900 

Through " 271, OKI 

Net Receipts .- 25(J,80i> 

Shipmeuts 528,135 

Stock ou hiiiul Septt'iiibcr 1, 1887 4,140 

Receipts for year 527,900 

582,040 
Shipments for year 528,185 

Stock on liand September 1, 1888 8,905- 

C. W. Simmons, AVc'//. 

COTTON COMPRESSES. 

There arc two compress companies: First — 

THE ST. LOUIS COTTON COMPRESS COMPANY. 

This great establishment covers an area of five entire 
city blocks, having a total frontage of 1,748 feet, and 
occupies fifteen acres of ground. Its two stories make 
thirty acres of floor surface. There are, in all, nine fire- 
proof l)uil(lings — having brick walls and iron doors. 
Throughout all the war('li()us(\s the best and most modern 
safeguar<ls against fire have been provided: fire extinguish- 
ers, and pipes to throw a five-inch stream of water, etc. 
The capital stock of this company is $(i2r>, 000. 

THE PEPER COTTON COMPRESS 
Is not so large as the other compress, but is furnished 
with two {)owerful hydraulic presses, and is amply i)r()\i(lcd 



'268 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



for a large business and safety against fire. The capital 
stock is a (juarter of a million dollars. 

The aggregate capacity of the two Compress com- 
panies is as follows: 

Tor Storage 310,000 bales of Cotton. 

For Compressing daily 7,r)00 " " 

COMMERCE IN COTTON AT ST. LOUIS TO THE END OF THE 
LAST "COTTON YEAR", AUGUST 31, 1888. 

The business of the last cotton year represents the trade 
in this great staple to Ije in a very satisfactory condition. 
The gross receipts were 527,600 bales, and the largest of 
any year since St. Louis became a cotton market. Although 
the increase over preceding years, was mostly in through cot- 
ton, and the increase in cotton handled only 12,738 bales 
greater than the previous year, still the fact remains, that 
there is an annual increase in the staple seeking an outlet 
through St. Louis, and illustrates the advantages of this 
city not only as a point of sale and distribution, but a 
direct through route to the seaboard. It seems to be 
settled, that this city shall become the principal interior 
point for storing, compressing and shipping cotton, 
destined both for home and foreign markets. The center- 
ing of numerous railways at St. Louis, makes it most ac- 
cessible to buyers from the east and Europe. 

To March 1, 1889, the receipts of cotton at St. Louis 
Avere about nine thousand bales in excess of those for the 
year 1888 ; and, it is estimated, that number will be in- 
creased to about twenty thousand bales. 

The shipments for the year reached 528,135 bales, of 
which 158,409 bales went to England, and 24,643 to 
Canada, being an increase over the previous year of 9,552 
bales to the latter country. 

The stock on hand, August 31, 1888, was 3905 bales. 
Prices remained steady during the year; middling 



WOOL AND FUR LIVE STOCK. 269 



■cotton ranged from H H-4 and H o-.S in September, 1887, to 
10 and 10 1-8 in August. 1888. The rates during the 
year were 9, 9 1-2 and 9 3-4 cents. 

ST. LOUS WOOL AND FUR ASSOCJATION. 

OFFICKBS: 

Moses Summekfield, l^resident. 

Albi-irt Schott, Vice-PreHident. 

Benjamin Harris, Secretary. 

The Association, although maintaining a separate organ- 
ization, holds its 'Change for the transaction of business 
at the Ilall of the Cotton P^xchange, South-West corner 
Main and Wahiut Streets, daily. 

LIVE STOCK exchangp:. 

The third Annual Convention and Election of the 
Exchange, met October 27, 1888, and the following ofti- 
cers were elected for the ensuing year, as follows : 

E. J. Senseney, President. 

R. H. Mann, Vice-President. 

DIRECTOUS: 

C. C. Daily, W. L. Cassidy, 

Samuel Scaling, C. M. Keys, 

J. G. Cash, W. D. Little, 

H. F. Parry, James Moody, 

T. J. Daniels. 

The St. Louis Live Stock Exchange was organized 
October 20, 1885, and is conducted at the National Stock 
Yaids. It aims to develop the general interests of the 
business in live stock, to secure uniform rules and just 
principles in all transactions in buying and selling. And, to 
protect the common interest of the shipper or producer* 
and the ])urchaser and utilizer of the {jroduelion, as well. 



270 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. • 

The Exchange has accomplished valuable reforms in the 
model of stock cars and in the handling of live stock. 
It has been influential in the improvement of grades, and 
the introduction of valuable new breeds. The member- 
ship is made up of fair-dealing and liberal-minded men, 
whose influence extends to all shipping points and is exer- 
cised daily at the Exchange itself. 

The Live Stock trade is of very special interest and 
value to this city, and it receives the careful, active and in- 
telligent attention of the officers and members of the Ex- 
change. 



THE STOCK YAKDS. 



FOR CATTLE, HOGS, SHP^EP, HORSES AND MULES. 



There are two Avell appointed and extensive stock yards — 
the Union and the National — situated on opposite sides 
of the Mississippi river, but connected by transfer, steam 
boats. 

THE NATIONAL YARDS 

Are situated at East St. Louis, and cover one hundred 
acres of ground, of which between seventy-five and eighty 
acres are under roof. The land and improvements cost 
one million, seven hundred thousand dollars. Their daily 
capacity is equal to 8,000 cattle, 25,000 hogs, 7,500 sheep, 
and 750 hordes and mules. Cars are loaded and unloaded 
with dispatch. The pens are floored with timber and 
plank, and the avenues paved with stone. A perfect sys- 
tem of sewerage prevents mud. Each pen is provided 
with facilities for easy feeding and watering. There is a 
fine hotel on the grounds, a stock exchange, bank, tele- 
graph and telephone offices. The offices of stock merchants 



THE STOCK YARDS. 



271 



and asrents are (M)nvenient to the yards. These yards aie 
so situated as to receive and ship by all the railroads con- 
necting Avith St. Louis. 

THK UNION YARDS 
Are situated near the Mississippi river in the northern part 
of the city, and are reached by the Broadwarv' street rail- 
road. Twonty-Hve acres of irround are occupied by these 
yards, which have a daily capacity for 7,000 hogs, 2,500 
cattle, 2,500 sheep, and 300 horses and mules. 

A hotel and exchange, besides telegraph and telephone 
otfices, and other conveniences for the dispatch of business, 
are near at hand. The facilities for handling stock are 
anijile and include all the late improvements. The pens 
are roofed and floored. Stock buyers and commission 
merchants have offices at the yards. 

The St. Louis, Kansas Citv and Northern (Wabash 
Western Division) railroad passes through the yards. 
Stock is taken from steam boats and ferry boats diicntly 
into the yards. 




1UUI)',S-KYK \li;\\ <J| llir. NAIKINAI, S I U( K VAUD 



272 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



CHAPTER III. 
MECHANICS' P:XCHANGE, ST. LOUIS. 

XO. 9 NORTH SEVENTH STREET. 



OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1889: 

William A. Rutter, President. 

A. S. Ittner, First Vice President. 

F. P. HuNKiNS, Second Vice President. 
William S. Stamps, Treasurer. 

Richard Walsh, Secretary. 

DIRECTORS: 

James H. Keefe, Jos. L. Guedry, 

Jeremiah Sheehan, Sam. Marsden, 

Bryan Brady, C. C. Weaa er, 

Thos. p. McKelleget, Thos. H. Rich, 

Thos. Mockler, Mark Hudson, 

Stephen O'Connor. Daniel Evans. 

The Exchange membership is composed of the master 
mechanics, builders and other master workmen of St. 
Louis. It is a body of substantial, reliable and intelligent 
men — formed into a business association for mutual bene- 
fit and protection, and for the advancement of " Mechan- 
ical and industrial interests in the city of St. Louis, and to 
inculcate just and equitable principles of trade." 

The membership is composed of master builders, 
master plumbers and gas fitters, master painters, contrac- 
tors in bricklaying, quarrying, building stone, stone cut- 
ting, stone masonry, stair building, roofing, plastering, 
lathing, sidewalks, fire proof work, sand, lime and cement. 



MEXICAN AND SPANISH-AMERICAN EXCHANGE. 21'^ 



galviiuizcd iron, hardware, Imnbor, brick, mill plaiiiiiu', 
iron railiuijs, foundry, architectural iron and zinc work 
electric bells, glass, fresco painting, steam and hot water 
heating, mantles, grates and tiles, tuck pointing, black- 
smithing, civil engineering, printing and publishing, sewer- 
building, etc. 

The p]xchange hall is a large and handsome chamber. 
It includes a reading room. Upon its tiles nuiy be found 
the leading industrial newspapers, journals and magazines 
of the United States. These are free, but to members 
only and friends whom they introduce. The Exchange is 
open daily from 8 a. m. till 5 v. m. 



THE MEXICAN AND SPANISH- AMERICAN EX- 
CHANGE. 



JOHN F. CAHTLL, CONSUL P^OK THE KEPUHLIC OF MEXICO,. 
21tj NOKTii KKJiiTH strp:i:t. 

The Mexican and Spanish-Ainerican Exchange is not an 
organized body, but it is presided oyer b}- the Mexican 
Consul, who, whilst actively and efficiently engaged in pro- 
moting; intimate and fraternal intercourse between the 
Mexican Republic and the United States, is likewise deeply 
concerned to secure similar relations between this country 
and all of "Latin America." 

The consulate is employing its talent and influence to 
deyelope and secure mutual trade and commerce between 
the city of St. Louis and the republics of South and 
Central America, as well as with the Republic of Mexico. 



274 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

THE ASSOCIATED WHOLESALE GROCERS OF ST. LOUIS. 

OFFICERS: 

J. W. GoDDARD, President . 

James H. Brookmire, Vice-President. 

William E. Schweppe, Secretary and Treasurer. 

This Association is one of special value and importance 
to the Wholesale Grocery trade. The number of firms 
represented is about thirty, and one hundred individual 
members. It was formed five years since. It is one of 
the wealthiest commercial organizations of this city. 

The wholesale Grocery Trade of St. Louis amounted 
to about forty million dollars for the year 1888. 

THE MERCHANTS AND MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, 
Is an organization of special importance and value for the 
protection of the trades, especially in all matters relating 
to rates of freight, and has been of great utility in securing 
fair and just rates of railway freight and passenger fares. 

THE BREWERS ASSOCIATION 

Is composed of all the principal brewers of the city, 
amongst whom are the largest brewers in the United 
States. Headquarters office, 404 Market Street. 

IMPLEMENT AND VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION. 

This association is devoted to such specialties of manu- 
factured products as belong — implements and vehicles — to 
those lines, and is designed to guide, govern and protect 
the interests of its members. 

THE COAL EXCHANGE 

Was established for the promotion of the coal business, and 
the regulation of prices. 

BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS. 

St. Louis has numerous Building and Loan Associations, 
which are conducted with special advantage to a large class 



VARIOUS ASSOCIATIONS. 275 



of small and thrifty investors and shareholders. The num- 
ber of these associations exceeds seventji. 

ST. LOUIS FURNITURE BOARD OF TRADE. 

OKI'ICK, I.Al'I.KDK UriI,I>IN(;. 

J. G. Smith, President. 

^. H, CoNRADES, First Vice President. 
I. F. Mueller, Second Vice President. 
GusTAVE Wolf, Treasurer. 

James A. Reardon, Secretary. 
H. S. TuTTLE, Manager. 

ST. LOUIS MERCHANTS BRIDGE COMPANY. 

OFFICE, CIIAMBKU OF COMMKUCE. 

Seth W. Cobb, President. 

C. C. Rainwater, Vice-President. 

John D. Perry, Secretary and J'reasurer. 

TERMINAL RAILWAY BRUXJE COMPANY. 

OFFICE, LACLEDE Bl'ILDIXG. 

C. C. Rainwater, President. 

John R. Holmp^s, Vice President. 

John D. Perry, Treasurer. 

John H. Overall, Secretary. 

WESTERN COMMERCIAL TRAVELERS ASSOCIATION. 

OFFICE, LA('LEDK lUMLDING. 
OFFICERS FOR THE YKAR 1889: 

M. C. Wetmore, President, St. Louis, Mo. ; John W. 
Elwell, First Vice President, St. Louis, Mo. ; J. C. Mil- 
ler, Second Vice President, Chicago, 111. ; IL C. McNair, 
Third Vice President, St. Paul, Minn. ; II. ^I. Hidden, 



276 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY, 



Fourth Vice President, Kansas City, Mo. ; Charles W.. 
Wells, Fifth Vice President, Indianapolis, Ind. ; Jonas. 
P. Johnson, Sixth Vice President, Omaha, Neb. ; and 
Thos. Ryan, Secretary and Treasurer, St. Louis, Mo. 

The board of Directors, Committees, Medical Director 
and Attorney are all citizens of St. Louis. 

SOUTHERN historical AND BENEVOLENT AID ASSOCIATION. 

J. BoYCE, President. 

Anthony Boyce, Treasurer. 

W. P. Barlow, Secretary. 

ST. LOUIS CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF 
ARCHITECTS. 

H. G. Isaacs, President. 

II. W. KiRCHNER, Secretary. 

ST. LOUIS INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS. 

T. W. Brady, President. 

J. F. Mitchell, Secretary. 




HOTEL RICHELIEU. 



BANKING INSTITUTIONS. 



277 



CHAPTER IV. 
THE BANKING INSTITUTIONS. 



The Banks of the City of St. Louis arc twenty-one 
in number, four of which are operated under the National 
banking laws, and seventeen under the laws of the State 
of ^Missouri. The capital employed was, together with 
surplus, on the 31st December 1888, fifteen and a half 
million dollars. The statement of the manager of the 
Clearing House is given below. 

These institutions are conducted in conformity with a 
policy, wdiich while liberal, is conservative. The capital 
of private bankers — legitimately used in discounts of 
business paper — should be added to tliat of the banking 
institutions. 

The limit of the legal rate of interest in Missouri is 
ten per cent per annum. The bank rate is nomiuallv 
eight, but six per cent is the common one charged by 
banks. Loans on real estate in the city are made at five 
and six per cent, but chiefly at the latter rate of interest. 
More banking capital could be emploA-ed and is required to 
meet the healthy growth of the manufacturing and mer- 
cantile lines of trade. 

BANK STATEMENT TO DECEMBER 31. 



Capital and 
Surplus. 



Deposits and Loans, Bonds 
land Exchange 
due Banks. { Maturing. 



1887 
1888 



$14,824,115 $45,878, 58f! $ 44,o07,836 
i 15,4(J0,8G(i 52,280,979 4G,852,313 



Percentage of 
cash to Deposit. 



34 
37 



BANK STATEMENT — CONTINUED. 



1887 
1888 



Cash and De- 
posits to otherl 
banks. I 



Clearings. 



Balances. 



$ 14,913,121 $ 894,527,731 $ 138,59,8622 00 
19,432,3611 900,474,8781 141,883,529 00 

17 



BANK STATISTICS. 



279 



BANK DIVIDENDS DECLAHKD PAYABLE JANUARY 1, 1889: 

Coniinereiiil Bank, 10 per cent, anniuil dividend. 

MulUinphy " 5 " " " 

And the dividends of the following banks were each for 
semi-annual periods, namely : 

American, Exchange, Bremen and Continental, each 4 
per cent; German-American, Mechanics, and Merchants' 
National, each 3 per cent. 



STATEMENT OF THE CLEARING HOUSE. 

(FKOM E. CHASE, MANAGER.) 

AGGKEGATE STATEMENT OP^ THE ST. LOUIS CITY BANKS; 

FOUR NATIONAL, AND SKVKNTKEN STATE BANKS, ON TIIP: 31st DECEMBER, 
1888, COMPARED WITH STATEMENT OF SAME ON 31st DECEMBER, 1887. 



Dec. 1888. 



Capital and Surplus... 

Deposits payable ou time f 
" " on de- 
mand to Banks 

Deposits payable on de- 
mand to others 

National Bank Circulation 



Dec. 1887. 



Liabilities. 



U. S. Bonds to secure Cir 

culation 

Good Loans and Bonds.. 
Cash, Checks and ¥,x- 

clianire 

Casii, Coin, 

" Currency i^ 

Real Estate, Furniture and 

Fixtures 



Assets 



$1 .-.,4(10,866 
9,035,451 

10,459,072 

32 495,456 
189,000 



$67,939,845 



$14,824,115 
8,463,560 

10,546,306 

26,868,720 
591,060 



$61,293,761 



Decrease, 
Increase, 

Increase, 



450,000 
2,344,477 

2,982,860 

199,306 

1,337,074 

232,367 

1,445,171| 1,212,804 

$67,9.39,845l$61,293,761i " |$ 6,646,084 



210,000 660,000 

46,852,313 44,507,836 

9,.501,935 6,519,075 

2,467,2.59' 2,267,953 

7,4(;3,167 6,126,0!)3 

i 



Differences. 



Increase, 



Decrease, 

Increase, 
Decrease, 

Increase, 



636,751 
571,891 

87,234 

5,926,736 
402,060 



$ 6,646,084 



-280 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



ST. LOUIS POST OFFICE — LARGE GROWTH OF 
ITS BUSINESS. 

The remarkable growth in the mailable matter in let- 
ters, postal cards, papers, circulars, etc., delivered and 
collected at the post office of this city, is a very forcible 
proof of the enlargement of its trade and population. 

MAILABLE MATTER FOR THREE PERIODS, ILLUSTRATIVE OF 
THE GROWTH OF ST. LOUIS: 



DELIVERED. 



1888. 



Registered letters 199,251 

Mail letters 36,7()8,4:77 

Mail postal cards 7,540,159 

Drop letters. 13,200,197 

Drop postal cards i (5,998,502 

Papers, circulars, etc j 17,<)72,890 

COLLLECTED. 

Letters I 31,950,495 

Postal cards i 10,(;23,28« 

Papers, circulars, etc ! 7,85(),983 



1886. 



183,994 

26,027,857 

4,445,983 

6,004,009 

3,819,038 

10,092,909 

17,558,137 
5,677,836 
3,648,244 



1880. 



125,389 
12,533,151 
2,600,275 
2,082,535 
1,648,222 
5,303,778 

8,484,267 
2,791,483 
2,752,419 



FIRE INSURANCE AND LOSSES FOR THE 
CITY OF ST. LOUIS : 



YEAR 1888- 



Amount of Insurance 
Premiums Paid. 


Loss to Insurance 
Companies. 


Percentage of Loss. 


$4,134,079.42 


$752,887.12 


18.21 



THE INSURANCE LAWS OF MISSOURI. 

In no state are the laws relative to the reliability and 
•competency of insurance companies more complete or 
more strictly enforced, than in Missouri. They require 
more than mere solvency, and enforce a fixed and very ample 
capital, which shall remain intact against contingent risks 
and losses. But, whenever such capital shall become im- 
paired, notice is given by the state commissioner (whose 
office is at St. Louis) to "wind-up" or re-organize with 
ample resources — without delay. 

"Bogus " insurance is suppressed as soon as found. It 
is always attempted in some obscure neighborhood, and 
lias a short life. 



GRAIN AND FLOUR. 



281 



CHAPTER y. 



GRAIN AND FLOUR. 



GRAIN. 



The year 1888, was marked by fruitfulness in several of 
the cereal crops — notably of corn and oats — in the State of 
Missouri, and the adjoining states which ship to St. Louis, 
as their best market. In the quantity of wheat received, there 
was a moderate decline, whilst the receipts of the other 
cereals were largely increased over the preceding year. 

The table of receipts of grain now given — for iive years 
— shows a special deficiency in the receipts of wheat for 
several seasons, in consequence of poor harvests. But, 
the establishment of large flouring mills at points 
near this city — in the surrounding country — operated by 
St. Louis millers, take wheat for manufacturing, some of 
which would otherwise be marketed here and swell the 
volume of receipts. 

RECEIPTS P'OR FIVE YEARS WERE AS FOLLOWS: 



lUSIIKLS. 


1888. 1887. 1886. 


1885. 


1884. 


Wlitat 

Corn 

Oats 

Rye 

Barley 


1.3,010,105 

20,269,499 

10,456,760 

421,514 

3,044,961 


14,510,315 
16,576,386 

9,768,545 
236,726 

2,932,192 


12,309,364 
16,387,071 

7,426,915 
447,842 

2,529,731 

39,100,923 


10,690,677 
26,114,7S2 

7,383,529 
726,799 

3,017,362 


16,368,809 
19,607,325 

7,036,951 
585,218 

2,625,S41 


Total ..... 


47,202,842 


44,024,164 


47,933,148 


46,224,144 



INCLUDING FLOUR REDUCED TO WHEAT THE RECEIPTS 
WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS: 



lusnKLs. 1888. 


ISH7. 


IHSC. 


1885. 


1884. 


Wheat and \ ., ,„. ,.,, 
Flour....} 51,19.,,l.'l 


4H,74S,562 


42,918,800 


52,579,425 


52,776,832 



•282 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 




u^wt f. 



SHIPMENTS OF GRAIN. 



283 



SHIPMENTS FOR TMK I'AST FIVK YKAKS: 



BUSHELS. 


1888. 


1887. 


1886. 


1885. 


1884. 


Wheat 

C'oru 

Oats 

Rye 


1 

4,412,50(;| (1,238, 2(;8 

15,i>04,750 13,,s41,172 

5,414, 7(;4l 3,7S0,721t 

275,233 175.352 


2, 429, 462 

11,S4S,<)!)5 

2,764,922 

337.018 


2,332,609 
20,491,416 

3,(;80,829 
63(),(;40 
210,340 


7,177,9S2 

16,533,259 

3,0S2,36(t 

700,526 


Barley 


324,832 


291,337 215,377 


169,781 


Total 


2(i,332,085 


24,326,858' 17,595,774 


27,351,834 


27,663,908 



DIHKC'T SHIPMENTS OF BULK GRAIN FROM ST. LOL'IS TO 
FOREIGN COUNTRIES IN TONS: 



TOXS. 


1888. 1887. 1886. 


1885, 


1884. ' 1883. 


1882. 


Hy Rail Eastward 

Uy River to New Orleans: . . . 


121,657 128,522 30,853 
201,072 H25,-»2 282, 52 


52,18(5 
231,552 


147,202 141,904 
175,126 301,629 


107,528 
176,538 


Total 


322,729 458,9r,4 263,205 


28{,738 


322,328 443,533 


284,111 



SHIPMENTS OF BULK GRAIN FROM ST. LOUIS BY RIVER TO 
NEW ORLEANS. 



YKAl:. 


Wheat 
Bushels 

3,973,737 
1,247,952 


Corn. 
Bushels. 


Rye. 
Bushels. 


Oats. 
Bushels. 


Total. 


18.S7 


7,365,340 
5,844,042 




1 217,722 
I 160,584 


ll,55(i,799 


1888 .. 




7,252,578 



The falling off in the h^hipraents of wheat in 1888, was caused by the decreased 
crop of that year, and the advanced price. Wheat could not be shipped to Europe 
except at a loss! The rise in price occurred suddenly, and, wheat sent to New 
Orleans for export was returned to St. Louis and resold at a profit ! 

The falling off of shipments of corn for export, was occasioned by the short 
•crop of 1887. 



CORN. 



The corn crop of the United State.s for 1887, a.s re- 
ported by the department of agriculture, was 1,456,161,- 
000 bushels. This was the smaUesl crop harvested since 
188 L The yield per acre wa.s 20.1 bushels against 22 



284 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



bushels for the crop of 1886. The crop of 1888 is io 
marked contrast with preceding year, and is the largest 
ever grown, amounting to 1,987,790,000, and exceeds the 
crop of 1887 upwards of five hundred million bushels. 
CROPS OF THE GREAT CORN GROWING STATES FOR FIVE YEARS : 





Bushels. 


Bushels. 


Ri 


shels. 


Bushels. 


Bushels. 


STATES. 
















1888. 


1887. 




1886. 


1885. 


1884. 


ludiana. . 


125,478,000 


71,400,000 


118 


795,000 


131,994,000 


104,757,000 


Illinois . . 


278,000,000 


141,080,000 200,818,000 


268,998,000 


244,544,000 


Iowa 


278,232,000 


183,502,000 


198,847,000 


242,496,000 


252,(i00,000 


Missouri. 


202,583,000 


140,949,000 


143,709,000 


196,861,000 


197,850,000 


Kansas . . 


158,18(:;,000 


76,547,000 


126 


712,000 


158,390,000 


168,500,000 


Nebraska 


144,217,000 


93,150,000 


106 


,129,000 


129,426,000 


122,100,000 


Total.. 




706,628,000 


904,010,000 


l,128,165,00o'l,090,351,000 


ST. LOUIS' ELEVATORS. 








Capacity 




(Additional 








for 




Capacity 


DE& 


IGNATION BY NAME. 




Bulk Grain. 


for Packages. 








Bushels. 




Sacks. 


St. Louis 






2,000,000 ■ 
700,000 


200,000 


Central A 






" B 






900,000 




" C 






800,000 




East St. ] 


Louis 




1,000,000 


165,666 


Advance. 






600,000 




Valley 




1,250,000 




Union 




1,500,000 1 

600,000 
1,100,000 

750,000 




Venice 




Merchant 


^ 




Union IJe 


pot 




St. Louis 


(Salt) Warehouse 




750,000 






St. Louis 


Warehouse. . 






200,000 












Tot 


al Stored, Jan. 1888 




12,150,000 




365,000 




" " 1887 




12,150,000 




365,600 




" " 188(i 




11,800,000 




365,000 




" " 1885 




10,950,000 




365,000 




" " 1884 




11,700,000 




415,000 




<< '« 1883 




10,700,000 




415,000 




'« '« 1882 




9,650,000 


1 


415,000 




" " 1881 




5,650,000 


I 


415,000 




" " 1880 


1 


4,950,000 




415,000 



GRAIN ELEVATOR. 



285 



SHIPMKNTS TO NKW ORLEANS DURING'18H«, OF FLOl'K AM) 

GRAIN: 



Wheat. 
lUishels. 


Corn. 
IJashels. 


Oats. 

Ilusliels. 


Klour. 
IJarrel.s 


I,250,7o2 


(1,418,288 


1,981,794 


313,327 




(.KAl.N KI.KVATOi:, ST. LOl.'lS. 



286 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. * 

ST. LOUIS AND MISSISSIPPI VALLEY TRANSPOKTATION 
COMPANY, ("BARGE LINE.") 

Henry C. Haarstick, President. 

Austin B. Moore, Vice-President. 

This Company does a very large carrying trade between 
this city and New Orleans and Port Eads — at the Jetty 
passage of the Mississippi — and is of yery special value to 
the commerce of St. Louis, as a s^reat carrier of grain 
destined for Europe, 

The report of the National Bureau of Statistics, for 
the year ending June 30, 1888, states the quantity of 
maize — Indian corn — carried by this Company at 21 per 
cent of the exports to foreign countries. 

This Company was incorporated in August 1881, with 
a paid up capital of two million dollars, and is popularly 
known as the "Barge Line." 

THE carrying CAPACITY OF THE BARGE LINE 

Is to float, at any time, of grain in bulk, four million 
l)ushels, and to move to the European vessels — waiting its 
reception at tide water — two and one-half million l)ushels, 
monthly. The line employs eleven towing steamboats and 
eighty barges. 



ST. LOUIS flour MILLS: THE OUTPUT OF 1887 AND 1888 

("OMPARED. 

The number of l)arrels of Hour manufactured during 
the last two years was as follows: 

Flour manufactured in St. Louis for the year ending, 
Dec. 31, 1887, was 1,985,717 barrels; and in the same 
time of 1888, 2,01(5, 619, being an increase of 30,902 
barrels. 

Flour manufactured by mills located outside, but owned 
and operated by citizens of St. Louis, for the year ending 



FLOUR STATISTICS. 



287 



December 31, 1887, was 842,373 barrels, and for the same 
time in 1888, was 1,020,440, beinji an increase of 187,073 
barrels. Grand total output of 1887, 2,828,000 against 
3,046,0(>5 barrels in ISXS, an increase over the preceding 
year of 217,975 barrels. 

The flour output of St. Louis is second only to all 
others in the United States — Minneapolis having the first 
place for (juantity, but all from spring wheat. The flour 
of this city, made from winter wheat, has always held the 
very highest reputation at the East and South, and in 
Europe, for its superior quality. It has always been in 
large demand for shipment to tropical countries. 

THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF FLOIK HANDLED BY MILLERS AND 
DEALERS FOR THREE YEARS: 





1888. 


1887. 


1886. 


1885. 


liecfivt'd '. 


887,173 
2,01(;,(il9 

1,0(;9,303 


1,049,8(;4 
1,985,817 

597,G10 


848,417 
1,807,950 

542,010 


l,032,.-)00 
1,841,529 

530,083 


Manufactured 


Sold and SliippedDirect ( 
from Couutry Mills., j 


Total Barrels 


3,973,155 


3,033,191 


3,198,383 


3,410,1 IS 



AMOl NT OF FLOUR MANUFACTURED IN VARIOUS CITIES. 



Bbls. 



Miniieapoli.s 7,0.50,080 

^t. L(»uis 2,01(;,(il9 

Baltimore | 50G,H70 

^t. Raul I 2.50,000 

l'liiladeli)liia ;.... 240,000 

Milwaukee 1 421 2.58 

'''>ff!''<» l|500i000 

Richmond 

ToU-ilo j 250,000 

J>t't''0't 235,000 

^'hi^^'iii-'o I 435,000 

Dnluth j 

Kansas City I 2fi,987 

I't^oria I 90,000 



Bbls. 



0,379,204 

1,9H5,717 

490,244 

310,000 

1,214,048 
037,885 

30.5,000 
253,000 
514,870 

105,000 
105,000 



Bbls. 



0,10H,000 
1,807,950 
540,5()7 
194,500 
240,000 
9(i0,000 
700,384 
204,712 
310,000 
290,500 
494,789 
40,000| 



1885. 



Bbls 



5,221,243 

1,841, .529 

520,992 

225,000 

901,152 
752,802 
412,000 

255,.500 

10,000 



288 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



THE GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION OF ST. LOUIS RELATIVELY TO 

THE GREATEST FOOD PRODUCING FIELDS 

OF THE UNITED STATES. 

St. Louis' position, relatively to the greatest food pro- 
ducing field of the nation — surpassing that of any coun- 
try of the globe — is almost a central one. But, by reason 
of its great water facilities, and numerous extensive rail- 
way systems — penetrating all those fertile fields — it 
possesses superior advantages over some other western 
sites. This city occupies the center of the great winter 
wheat and Indian corn belt of the United States. A 
table is here given of the crops for the year 1888 of 
part of the states, but not including several in lesser 
commercial relations with this city : 



States. 


AVheat. 
Bushels. 


Corn. 
Bushels. 


Oat^!. 
Bushels. 


Missouri 

Illinois 

Iowa 


18,496,000 
33,556,000 
24,196,000 
15,960,000 
14,508,000 


202,583,000 
278,060,000 
278,232,000 
158,186,000 
144,217,000 


34,909,000 

137,400,000 
67,090,000 


Kansas 

Neln'aslia 


42,654,000 
26,177,000 


Total 


106,716,000 


1,061,278,000 


308,230,000 



A total of one billion, four hundred and tweny-six million, two hundred and 
twenty-four thousand bushels wheat, corn and oats. 



The wheat crop of the United States for the year 1< 
was 414,868,000 bushels. And the five states named pro- 
duced 26 per cent of the whole quantity. 

The corn crop for the same year was 1,987,790,000 
bushels. And, the five states yielded 53 1-2 per cent of 
that quantity. The oats crop was 701,735,000 bushels. 
And, the same states yielded 44 per cent of the whole 
quantity produced in the United States, and are those 
which are closely allied in business relations with this city. 
And, if these five states — whose resources are verv far 



VALUE OF EXPORTED WHEAT. 289 

from being fully developed — have yielded so imuh of the 
whole production, then, when their entire area shall be 
brought under cultivation, the proportion will be yet 
greater, especially since most of the other states have 
reached their niaxinuini in the yield of cereal crops. 



THE AVERAGE \'ALL'E OF EXTORTED A\'11EAT FROM THE 
UNITED STATES DURING CS YEARS TO THE END OF 
THE FISCAL YEAR, JUNE 30, 188H.* 

The subjoined table gives the foreign exports of wheat, 
and average value per bushel since 1820. It will be seen, 
that the lowest average value touched in (j8 years was for 
the twelve months ending June 30, 1888. The average price 
of all Avheat exported during that year was only 81 cents a 
bushel, against 8G cents in 1885, the next lowest year. 
Prior to 1866, the average had never been as low as 
$1.10, with two exceptions — 1879 and 1884, when 
the price was $1.06. For the five 3"ears, ending June 
30, 1870, the average was $1.43, a bushel, the high- 
est for any similar length of time since the United States 
first commenced exporting wheat. In 1876, the average 
was $1.24, dropping in 1877 to $1.1(5, and again rising in 
1878 to $1.33. Since then, there have been some consid- 
erable fluctuations from year to year, with the tendency 
gradually downwards, until, as already said, the lowest 
point of 81 cents per bushel was reached last year. 



*NOTE.— These statistics of the wheat and Hour exports; and, tlie a<'ri'age, pro- 
duction and exports of grain, were obtained from a reliable seaboard autliorily.— 



Author, 



290 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



WHEAT AND FLOUR EXPORTED SINCE 1820. 

EXPORTS OF WHEAT AND FLOUR FROM THE UNITED STATES. 
{Flour Reduced to Bushels in the Total.) 



EACH OF THE FIVE 

FISCAL YEARS 

ENDED AS GIVEN 

BELOW. 


Wheat. 
Bushels. 


Flour. 
Barrels. 


Total Bushels. 


Per ct. 
of Flour 
in Total. 


1825 


72,874 

125,547 

614,145 

1,842, S41 

2,946,861 

10,184,645 

16,446,955 

38,808,573 

138,306,907 

81,808,364 

224,019,376 


4,451,384 

4,651,940 

5,241,964 

4,092,932 

6,274,697 

12,284,828 

13,149,518 

15,778,268 

19,757,733 

11,454,785 

16,797,684 


18,878,410 
23,385,247 
2(i,823,9()5 
22,307,501 
34,320,346 


99 61 


1830 


99 46 


1885 


97 2 


1840 


91 7 


1845 


£11 1 


1850 


71,608,785 85 77 


1855 


82,194,545 79.9 
117,699,913 : (w. 
237,095,572 ^ 42.09 
139,082,289 41.2 
308,007,796 ' 27.2 


1860 


1865 


1870 


1875 




Total for 55 years. 


515,177,088 113,935,733 


1,081,404,369 


52.6 


.FISCAL TEAR. 










1,S7(; 


55,073,122 

40,325,611 

72,404,961 

122,353,936 

153,252,795 

150,565,477 

92,857,276 

106,385,828 

70,349,012 

82,449,014 

57,750,609 

100,809,212 

63,846,204 


3,935,512 
3,343,665 
3,946,855 
5,629,714 
6,011,419 
7,945,78(i 
5,733,194 
9,205,664 
9,152,260 
10,347,629 


74,750,682 
57,043,936 
92,139,236 
147,687,649 
180,754,180 
186,321,464 
118,(;56,649 
147,811,316 
111,534,182 
128.993..344 


26.32 


1^77 


29.30 


1878 


21.42 


1879 


17.1 


1880 

1881 


15.2 
18.9 


1882 


21.7 


1883 


28.02 


1884 


36.9 


1885 


36. 


1886 


8,179,231 1 94,'557il49 
11,328,872 151.789.136 


37.1 


1887 


33.5 


1888 


11,746,028 


116,703,330 


45.2 






Total for 13 years. 

Grand total since 

1820 


1,078,423,857 
1,593,600,945 


96,605,829 
210,541,562 


1,608,742,253 
2,690,146,622 


27.0 











These figures show that the exports of flour for the last 
fiscal year were the largest on record, reaching 11,74(>,028 
barrels — a gain of 400,000 barrels compared with the pre- 
ceding year, and of 2,500,000 barrels compared with the 
year ending June 30, 1886. Of wheat, however, the ship- 
ments were the smallest since 1878 with one exception. 
Since 1880 there has been a gradual upward movement in 
the percentage of flour to the total exports of wheat and 
flour combined, and while in that year the percentage was 



VALUE OF EXPORTS C»F FLOUR AND WHEAT. 



291 



only 15.2, in the year just closed it was 45.2. This is an 
exceedingly gratifvini; condition of affairs. Instead of ex- 
pt)rting so small a pr()i)()rti()n of Hour the increase is now 
steady, thus giving American millers the benefit of this ex- 
panding trade. Nearly one-half of all the wheat exports 
of the country goes now in the shape of flour. The gain 
has been remarkably ra})id. 

In thirteen years, or since 187H, we have exported from 
this country over 1, ()()(), 000, 000 bushels of wheat, and 
96,600,000 barrels of flour; the aggregate value of the 
two being $1,797,267,367, while for the preceding 55 vears 
we exported 515,177,088 bushels wheat and 113,935,000 
barrels of flour, the aggregate value being $1,412,000,000. 

THE VALUE OF EXPORTS OF FLOUR AND WHEAT SINCE 1820 TO 
JUNE 30, 1888, HAS BEEN AS FOLLOWS: 





WHEAT. 


FLOUR. 


WHEAT AND FLOUR. 


EACH OF FIVE 

FISCAL YEAKS 

ENDED JUNE 80. 


Value. 




Nalue. 




AfTjfrcgate 
value. 


til 



1825, 
1830. 
1835, 
1840 
1845 
1850, 
1855, 
1860 
1865, 
1870 
1875 



$ 68 

112 

737 

1,817 

2,900 

12,801 

21,864 

53,343 

178,470 

117,.';27 

296,540 



$0.94 

.89 

1.20 

.98 

.98 

1.25 

1.39 

1.37 

1.29 

1.43 

1..32 



$ 24, 
34, 
29, 
27, 
31. 
69, 
75, 
104, 
133. 
92, 
114, 



334,999 
708,0it0 
347,649 
231,952 
0.56,1.56 
375,741 
775.220 
.36M,446 
356.875 
071,717 
,401,066 



Total for 55 years.. $ 686,184,6501 $1..33 1$ 726,027,911 $6.37 



$5.46 
5.31 
5.59 
6.05 
4.94 
5.64 
5.76 
6.61 
6.74 
8.03 
6.86 



$ 24, 
24,1 
30.( 
29,( 
33,! 
82, 
97, 
157, 
311, 
20<),1 
410,! 



403,977 


$1.29 


820,844 


1.06 


0S5.014 


1.13 


049,019 


1..30 


956,941 


.98 


176,834 


1.18 


639,982 


1.18 


,712,365 


1.34 


,827 319 


1.31 


,5<m,141 


1.50 


,941,126 


1..33 


,212,561 


$1.30 



FISCAL YEARS 
ENDED JUNE HO. 



1876 

1877 

1878 

1879 

1880 

1881 

1882 

1883 

1884 

1885 

1886 

1887 

1888 

Total for 13 years. 

Grand total for 68 

years 



$1,272,646,020 
$1,958,8.30,670 



$1.24 

1.16 

1..33 

1.06 

1.24 

l.U 

1.18 

1.12 

1.06 

.86 

.87 

.89 

.81 



$ 24,433,470 
21,663,947 
25,0i)2,826 
29,.567,713 
,S5,.3.33,197 
45,047.257 
.35.3!t6,5!Kt 
54,824,4.59 
51,1.39,6!M; 
50,619,158 
.38,442,900 
51,174,598 
53,860,303 



$6.20 
6.47 
6..35 
5.25 
5.88 
5.66 
6.14 
5.95 
5.58 
4.89 
4.70 
4.51 
4.58 



!$ 516,596,12.S 
'$1,242,624,034 



$ 92,816,369, 
68,799,50<ti 
121,964,8421 
160,268,792 
225,H79,.502 
212,745,742, 
145.K27,519 
174,703,800 
126,166,374 
121,707,614 
88,705,615 
140,978,.S.59 
116,703,.330 



$1.24 

1.20 

1.32 

1.08 

1.24 

1.14 

1.23 

1.18 

1.13 

.94 

.93 

.92 

.81 



$1,797,267,.S67 
$3,201,454,704 



292 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



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COTTON STATISTICS. 



293 



COMPARATIVE STATEMENT. 



RKCElPTrf, SlIIPMEXTS, STOCK, AXD CONSUMPTION OF COTTOX FOU 

FIVE YEARS. 



Receipts 

Stock on liand Sept. 1st. . 



1887 -'8 



527,900 
3,910 



411,832 
9,924 



Total bales 531,810 421,756 474,756 292,574 301,710 



472,682 
1,009 



1884-'8- 



291,056 
1,518 



188 -'84. 



297,122 

4,588 



Shipiiieuts 


522,800 
1,419 
3,910 

528,135 


410, .344 
1,302 
4,140 


458,208 
4,000 
9,924 
2,099 


286,402 

1,009 
4,503 


295,008 


City C'onsumptiou 


5,124 


lu Compress .\ii<^. 31 

Uiiaccounted for 


1,518 






Total bales 


421,756 


474,291 


292,574 


301,710 







T.\BLE SHOWING THE GROSS AND NET RECEIPTS OF COTTON 
AT ST. LOUIS. 



SEASON. 


Gross Receipts. 
Bales. 


Through Shipments. 
Bales. 


Net Receipts. 
Bales. 


1887-'88 


.527,900 271,028 
411,K32 107,09.S 
472, 0S2 I 240,017 
291,050 1 103. 31''' 


250,872 


I880-'87 

1885-'86 

1884-'85 


244,134 

220,005 
1H7,744 


1883-'84 

1882-'83 

1881-'82 

1880-'81 

1879-'K0 

1878-'79 


297,122 

450,858 

309,579 

398,939 

490,570 

335,799 

248,H.50 

217,734 

244,598 

133,909 

103,741 

59,709 

30,421 

20,270 

18,518 

16,090 


80,599 

160,098 

129,000 

97,580 

172,286 

117,083 

01,501 

09,25K 

84,788 

39,679 

24,323 


210,523 
290,700 
240,519 
301,353 
324, 2S4 
2IK,7I0 


1877-'7H 

1876-77 

1875-'70 

1874-'75... . 


187,295 

14S,470 

159,S10 

94,290 


1873-'74 

1872-'73 


79,41.S 


I871-'72 




1870-'71 




lH(;9-'70 

180«-'09 







The receipts* of cotton to March 13th, 1889, are thirteen thousand bales in 
I'.xcess of tho.se of the preceding vear. 

18 



2M 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



REPORT OF COTTON COMPRESSED AT ST. LOUIS. 



Year ending Ang. 31. 



Receipts. 



1888 25(;,809 bales. 

1887 |25K,234 

188(j '240,183 

1885 203,584 

1884 |228,414 

1883 304,300 

1882 |259,151 

1881 ,317,195 

1880 |358,124 

1879 237,437 

1878 1205,861 



Shipments. 



257,044 bales. 

264,110 " 

231,8()8 " 

203,493 " 

231,484 " 

301,451 " 

2()5,(;37 " 

316,537 " 

351,818 " 

237,101 '« 

206,537 " 



Stock. 



3,910 bale 

4,140 

9,924 

1,609 

1,518 

4,588 

1,739 

8,225 

7,467 

1,161 



officp:rs of the st. louis cotton compress 

COMPANY. 

William M. Senter, President. 

Jerome Hill, Vice-President. 

J. H. Reifsnyder, Sec'y and Treas. 



OFFICERS OF THE PEPER COTTON COMPRESS 
COMPANY. 

Christian Peper, President. 

R. B. Whittemore, Sec'ij and Treas. 



NATIONAL BOARD OF TRADE. 
COMMITTEE ON REPRESENTATION AND EXTENSION. 

J. A. Price, ------- Scranton. 

J. S. T. Stranahan, ----- Brooklyn. 

S. S. Guthrie, ------ Buffalo. 

J. A. Gang, -___--- Cincinnati. 

Wm. H. Parson, ------ New York. 

A. F. HiGGiNS, - - New York. 



296 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE ST. LOUIS WOOL MARKET. 



The improvement of the market for wools, during 
1888, over that of 1887, was very marked, especially 
towards the close, both in the volume of receipts and 
prices. Although the receipts of wool, in 1887, were 
about 7 per cent less than for 1886, it did not indicate 
that St. Louis was losing so valuable a trade — gained by 
special and protracted effort. The receiptb at other large 
primary markets showed a much greater falling off — vary- 
ing from 8 to 25 per cent of the quantity of the preceding 
year. 

The general deficiency was to be attributed, in part, to 
wool being held at interior points for a higher price, but 
more to an actual deficiency in the clip of the United 
States, at large, in 1887 — estimated by the government 
statisticians at twenty million pounds. 

It is well known, that dealers in wools — throughout the 
entire country — did not find the business of 1887 profit- 
able. But, the experience of the dealers of this city, for 
the year 1888, is just the reverse. Whilst the middle men 
were the sufferers in 1887, the wool growers who sold with 
the market did exceedingly well, and manufacturers gen- 
erally enjoyed a prosperous year. 

Early in the year 1888, improvement set in. A very 
marked and encouraging change was realized, yet the slow 



*NOTE. — These details of the wool market were obtained from the firm of S. 
Bienenstok & Co., and from Frank & Hellendall, wool merchants, South Main 
street. — Autlior. 



ST. LOUIS WOOL MARKET. 297 

and uncertain action of the Congress of the United States 
upon the question before it — of reduction of the duty on for- 
eign wools — led to hesitancy on the part of manufacturers. 
And, by July, the price of wools dropped to the lowest point 
of the year and were as low as in 1887. But, shortly after 
that date, wools began to advance, and confidence in the sta- 
bility of values was largely restored — after many months 
of hesitation and doubt — and sales were made on a hopeful 
market. Early in September, buyers conceded the opinion, 
that wools were too low in view of the favorable prospects. 
That opinion was confirmed by the current J)usiness down 
to the close of the year. During the intervening period 
wools sold freely at advanced prices — acceptable to both 
seller and buyer. 

The political contest having ended — stability of prices 
was soon established ; and the business in wools wore a 
most cheerful and encouraging aspect. The dealers and 
wool growers were well satisfied with the year's business. 
The latter are encouraged to increase and not diminish 
their flocks. The factors and dealers are likewise most 
cheerful — having made up their losses of last year by the 
large business of 1888. The prices obtained in excess of 
those of '87 averaged from 15 to 25 per cent. The receipts 
of this market have exceeded those of '87 by upwards of two 
million pounds, and the total to December 31, 1888, is 
iy,()2(),621) pounds, exclusive of receipts by wagon. 

From reliable data, the wool clip of the Ignited 
States for 1888, is largely less than the previous year, when 
the deficiency — as stated above — was twenty million 
j)ounds. Hence the last year's business is the more 
gratifying, and illustrates — by comparison — the large 
growth in the wool \viu\v. of St. Louis. Besides, the re- 
cei])ts at other primary wool markets show, that this city 
is the only one whose receipts have increased. 



298 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY 



RECEIPTS AND SHIPMENTS OF WOOL TO AND FROM ST. LOUIS 
FOR FIVE YEARS: 





YEAR. 


WOOL. 




Receipts. 
Pounds. 


Shipments. 
Pounds. 


IS.SN 


19,(;2(j,(329 
17,347,186 
18,o(!3,6l4 
21,193,031 
12,391,806 


21,463,998 


1S87 


17,392,8o8 


188(; 


17,82.5,630 


1885 


25,145,81;") 


1884 


17,665,858 



THE FUR MARKET OF ST. LOUIS. 

The market in peltne.s (of wild animals) and furs in 
1888-'89, is noted for a large increase in the quantity. 
There has been no diminution in the proportionate volume 
of beaver, mink, coon and fox, but an increase in musk- 
rat. Oppossum and skunk are specially in request, and 
prices of all descriptions continue well maintained. 

No public record is kept by the sixteen dealers of the 
receipts and shipments; but, whilst it is well understood, 
that larger receipts than heretofore has been the rule, the 
number of bales, packs or pounds cannot be stated with 
any accuracy; and, therefore, the value in dollars is un- 
known. It must not be supposed, however, that the trade 
in furs and peltries — which, at a very earl}^ period of the 
business history of the village and town of St. Louis, con- 
.stituted almost its sole trade — has diminished. But, it 
will surprise some persons of intelligence and general in- 
formation to be informed, that with the exception of 
buffalo and wolf pelts (very few of the latter and 
none of the former), the receipts of furs and peltries — 
in number and pounds — are greater to-day than in the 
palmiest days of the "fur trade of St. Louis." Besides, 
although the market prices are less, the money value is 



ST. LOUIS HIDE MARKET. 299 

greater than formerly. St. Louis is the hirgest original 
receiving and shipping market in furs in the United 
States. Europe, as formerly, takes the bulk — three- 
fourths of all — of the furs and peltries marketed in this 
city. They are purchased by agents for the account of 
the foreign dealers, and are in ready demand. 

The buffalo — the wild cattle of the North American 
''pampas" — have disappeared ! The ruthless hunter or 
reckless sportsman may no more gratify his greed or pur- 
suit of "glory'' in the chase and slaughter of the noble 
bison I Now, the roseate hues of the setting sun fall not 
upon him, but upon Texas "long horns," and " short 
horns"* of European strain, which graze upon the grounds 
trodden by the former monarch of the plains ! 



HIDE MARKET OF ST. LOUIS FOR YEAR ENDING 
DECEMBER 31, 1888.* 

The hide market of St. Louis has gained such increased 
proportions as to claim a position of great prominence in 
the trade of the city. Tanners of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, 
Michigan and Wisconsin, find it to their interest to pur- 
chase their stocks at St. Louis. Pennsylvania and other 
Atlantic States, make large purchases from dealers here. 
Tanners from numerous points buy through hide brok- 
<?rs of this city. They have found by experience, that in 
general, the quality of the hides received at St. Louis is 
specially good and desirable ; and, that the dealers bestow 
the most careful attention to the delivery of the exact 
grades of hides as sold. 

The hide business of the year 1887, was an unprofitable 
one to St. Louis dealers. It was owing to a current 
decline in prices, which dropped fully twenty-five per cent 



• Note.— These details of the hide market were derived from Frank & nellendall, 
Dealers, South Main Street. — Author. 



300 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

during the season. Dealers were compelled either to sell 
at a loss, or hold for an improved market. But, on the 
contrary, the business of the year, closing December 31, 
1888, was a very satisfactory one — both to the shippers and 
dealers and was scarcely less so to tanners — who purchased 
their stocks at this market. Up to May 1st, the ruling 
prices were low and unsteady. They were lower than for a 
number of years prior to the decline, which came with the 
previous year, (1887), and had still continued. After that 
date, however, a steady demand set in and prices advanced 
on all descriptions of hides — fully ten per cent. 

There was no feeling of speculation, and sales were 
freely made at current quotations. All hides offered on 
the market — coming from interior points of shipment — 
were readily taken by dealers, who promptly resold to tan- 
ners. Accordingly, there was no accumulation of stock. 
This occasioned a very easy and pleasant market during 
the remainder of the year. Shippers were satisfied; and,, 
both dealers and tanners were gratified. The tanners 
enjoyed a profitable business through the current rise in 
the prices of leather. 

The receipts of hides at this market for the year ending 
December 31, 1888, were nearly twenty-five per cent 
greater, and the shipments were thirty per cent in access 
of the preceding year, (1887). Reference is made to 
the accompanying tables — showing the actual receipts and 
shipments for several years past. 

Saint Louis is a popular market with shippers from 
both sides of the Mississippi river — commencing at St. 
Paul, and following the river to, and hundreds of miles 
below this city. And, by rail from Texas, Arkansas, Indian 
Territory, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, ^Montana, 
Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. 

Our hide dealers find such satisfaction expressed by 
shippers with the fair treatment they have received, and 



PROVISIONS HOOS PACKED. 



301 



from the general outlook for constant enlargement of the 
receipts, that they confidently expect St. Louis will be- 
come the largest interior hide marivct of the United States. 

hidp:s received at, and siiirpED from st. louis for 

FIVE YEARS. 





YEAR. 


RECEIPTS. 


SHIPMENTS. 




POUNDS. 


POUNDS. 


188S 


31,814,049 
2«,17"),!»!)2 
19,97.S,(;!)8 
20,864,833 
l(i,30."),4ir) 


40 '-")(; 581 


1887 


31,47(5,328 
23,407,160 
•>5 3s(i 00 > 


188i; 


1885 


1884 


21,7tt7,724 



PROVISIONS: HOGS PACKED AT ST. LOUIS. 

In provisions, during the past year (1888), the market 
St. Louis made very considerabe advances as a distributing 
market? The receipts and shipments of hog products — in 
smoked and salted meats, barreled pork and lard — for the 
last two years were as follows : 



YEAR. 


Received. 
Pounds. 


Shipped. 
Pounds. 


1887 


114, .5(18, 211 
220,(J13,987 


14It,'.»lt8,707 
246,238,457 


1888 





PACKING FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS. 
WINTER AND SUMMKK KESl'LTS. 



Hogs. 



Hoys. 



1888— Winter 369,7i)0{l887— Wiuter | 370,866 

" —Summer 280,000 '« —Summer. 313,591 



Totals ' 649,790 



6«4,457 



The partial failure of the corn crop of 1887, reduced 
the number of hogs i)acked for the seasons between 
November 1887, and same <latc in 188H about five per cent. 



;-302 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



Most of the packing points had a simihir experience. 
Nevertheless, as a centre for receiving and distributing the 
products of the hog, St. Louis has maintained its position 
as a great distributing market. The receipts were ninety- 
one per cent more in 1888 than for the previous year. And, 
the shipments were sixty per cent more during the same 
period, as is shown in the first of the preceding tables. 
Of the shipments — a moderate amount went direct to Eu- 
rope, more to Eastern points, but the greater portion to 
the Southern States. 



NATIONAL STOCK YARDS. 



RECEIPTS OF C!ATTLE, HOGS, SHEEP, HORSES AND MULES, FROM 
JANUARY I, TO DECEMBER 31, FOR FIFTEEN YEARS: 



Years. 



1874. 
1S75. 
lH7i>. 
1.S77. 
1878. 
187tt. 
1880. 
1881. 
1882. 
1883. 
1884. 
1885. 
188(1. 
1887. 
1888. 



Cars. 



17,2(U 
13,938 
18,052 
24,344 
31,008 
35,(i41 
38,294 
42,232 
29,178 
33,393 
37,8(>(> 
33,8(i4 
28,542 
29,838 
30,150 



Cattle. 



234, 
232, 
234, 
322, 
317, 
333, 
34ti, 
406, 
356, 
332, 
390, 
311, 
307, 
387, 
453, 



002 
183 
671 
571 
830 
155 
533 
804 
434 
625 
569 
702 
244 
709 
918 



Hogs. 



498, 

181, 

333, 

426, 

833, 

1,163, 

1,262, 

1,308, 

642, 

843, 

1,079, 

1,145, 

934, 

772, 

652, 



840 
708 
560 
109 
446 
748 
234 
514 
871 
672 
827 
546 
995 
171 
127 



Sheep. 



41,407 

46,316 

84,034 

119,174 

82,549 

99,951 

129,611 

226,124 

303,753 

272,852 

277,697 

245,793 

212,101 

315,546 

368,848 



Horses. 



2,235 

2,385 

2,(il6 

2,3(;4 

2,534 

4,338 

5,963 

8,377 

14,284 

17,054 

14,703 

12,176 

16,398 

29,286 

27,713 



THE SHIPMENTS FOR THE YEAR EXDING DECEMBER 31, 1888, FROM THE 
NATIONAL STOCK YARDS: 


■ 
Cars. 


Cattle. Hogs. 


Sheep. 


Horses and 
Mules. 


18,406 


329,182 


253,988 


313,536 


25,99.-. 



HORSES AND MULES. 
St. Louis is the most important market for horses and 
mules in the United States. It leads all other markets in 



HORSES AND MULES STATISTICS. 



303 



the number of marketable saddle, carriatre, and lieavv 
draught horses and serviceable mules. The war depart- 
ment of the United States obtains all its horses for cavalry 
service at this market. 

RECEIPTS AM) SHIPMENTS OF HORSES AM) MILES AT THE 

ENTIRE MARKET, INCLUDING THE NATIONAL AND 

UNION STOCK YARDS, FOR SIX YEARS: 



1888. 

1887 

188(;. 

1885. 

1884. 

1883. 



Receipts. 



58,458 
57,948 
42,032 
39,385 
41,870 
44,913 



Shipments. 



61,192 
59,222 
39,798 
35,()10 
39,544 
44,543 



To these figures should be added a large number of 
horses and mule.s — dnveii to the different stables of the 
commission dealers — from the country, and are not re- 
corded at the Stock Yards. 

The demand for horses and mules has grown with 

the increased supply, and all desirable stock found a 

ready sale. 

RECEIPTS AND SHIPMENTS OF CATTLE, SHEEP AND HOGS 

TO, AND FROM ST. LOUIS— AT THE ENTIRE MARKET, 

INCLUDING THE UNION AND NATIONAL 

STOCK YARDS, FOR SIX YEARS: 



YEARS. 



1888. 
1887. 
188(;. 
1885. 
18H4. 
1883. 



Receipts. 



Cattle. Sheep, i Hogs. 

54(), 870 45(i, 4(19 924,239 
Ki4,K2H 417,42o 1,052,240 
377,55 ) 328,985 1,2(;4,471 
38(1,32) 3(12, K5S 1,455,535 
4.50,717 3S(I,822 1,474,475 
405,()it') 39S,(;i2 1,351,785 



Shipments. 



Cattle. Sheep. Hogs 



33(1, 21(). 316, (;7(i 
277,40(1 287,018 
212,958 202,728 
233,249 233,391 
315,433 248,545 



294,869 
324,735 
520,362 

789,487 
678,874 



249,523 21 7, 370'(i09,388 



LEAD IN I'KiS. WHITE LEADS, LINSEED OIL. 

l'I<; LEAD. 

St. Louis remains, as for many years pa.st, the largest 
market for lead and white lead |)aiiits in the United States. 



304 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



The receipts of lead for year 1887, was 1,380,758 
pigs, of eight}' pounds each. And, for 1888, 1,815,687 
pigs, or one liundred and forty-five million, two 
hundred and liftj^-four thousand, nine hundred and 
sixty pounds! The shipments out, during same years, 
were for 1887, 759,892 pigs, and for 1888, 1,285,354 
pigs, one hundred and two million, eight hundred and 
twenty-eight thousand, three hundred and twenty pounds, 
for the year 1888. The increase of receipts of lead were 




ST. LOUIS SHOT TOWER. 

434,929 pigs, and of shipments in 1888, over the previous 
year, was 525,462 pigs, or forty-two million, thirty-six 
thousand, nine hundred and sixty pounds. 

WHITE LEADS, ETC. 

Saint Louis' pre-eminence as a market for lead is to be 
attributed almost wholly to its extensive manufacture of 



VARIOUS STATISTICS. 



305 



the products of that motal — in lead pipe, sheet lead, 
paints, etc. 

This city is the greatest manufacturer of white lead 
paints, and shot, of any other place. Three white lead cor- 
roding plants of this city have a capital of two million dol- 
lars invested in their business. 

LINSEED OIL. 

Two of the plants engaged in the manufacture of 
linseed oil, produced 1,050,000 gallons in 1888, as against 
550,000 gallons for the previous year. They employ a 
capital of about a half million dollars in their ))usiness. 

BALING CLOTH FOK THE COTTON STAPLE. 

QUANTITY MANUFACTURED AND ON HAND AT, AND SHIPPED FUOM ST. 
LOUIS, FOR FIVE YEARS. 



YEAKS. 


Manufactured. 


On Hand December 31st. 


Shipped Out. 


1888 
1887 
1886 
1885 
1884 


12,000,000 Yards. 

15,000,000 " 

16,000,000 " 

7,500,000 " 

6,000,000 " 


8,000,000 Yards. 
1,500,000 " 

1,500,000 " 
350,000 " 
8.50,000 " 


181,104 
360,609 
325,609 
280,996 
190,9()5 


Pieces. 




RECEIPTS OF 


BAGGING IN FIVE 1 


fEARS. 




YEARS. 




YARDS. 


188S. 


50,806 Pieces 


2,520,300 
3,933,650 
2,495,200 


1887. 


78,473 " 


1886. 


49,904 " . . 


1885. 




2,948,050 
657,450 


1884. 













RECEIPTS OF LUMBER AND LOGS, BY RIVER AND 
RAIL, AT ST. LOLTS, IN 1888. 



Lumber l)y River 108,478,966 

" " Rail 485,748,000 



Logs by River — about. 



594,226,966 
. 33,000,000 



627,226,966 



306 



ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



HARDWOODS, ETC. 

The receipts of oak, ash, yellow pine and poplar in 
this market have continued very large. 

In hardwoods, St. Louis holds the supremacy over all 
other markets, and will continue to do so. After the 
white pine of the North is exhausted, the Southern States 
now supplying this market, will furnish an unlimited 
quantity of yellow pine, poplar and cypress: the latter two 
for doors, sash and blinds. 

Poplar is making rapid strides in public favor, and has 
now reached a stage of progress that promises it a more 
prominent recognition than ever before. 




E. JACCARD JEWELRY CO., S. E. COR. OLIVE AND SIXTH STS. 



BUSINESS TONNAGE. 



307 



CHAPTER VIL 

Tin-: BISIXHSS TUXXACiE IX LKA1)IX(; AirnCLKS, KHC'KIl'TS 

AXl) SHIl'MHXTS TO AXI) FROM ST. LOITS, FOR 

THE YEARS ltsS7 AXl) 18S,S. 



RECEIPTS : 



Articles. 



Flour, barrels mamifacturefl 

" " haudled 

buslii'ls 



Wheat, 

Com, " 

Oats, " 

Kye, " 

Barley, " 

All graiu received, (iucliidinii flour reduced to \ 

wiieat) / 

Hay, tons 

Tobacco, hogsheads 

" (packages leal) 

Wool, pounds 

C'ottou, bales 

Hides, pounds 

Butter and Ciieese, pounds 

Potatoes and Onions, barrels 

Cattle, head 

Sheep, " 

Hogs, '« 

Meats — hog products — pounds 

Horses and Mules, head 

Kice, packages 

Lumber and Logs, feet 

Coal, tons 

Coke, " 

Cement, barrels 

Railroad Iron, tons 

Iron and Steel, " 

Rig Iron, " 

Iron Ore, " 

Zinc " " 

Lead, in KO-pound pigs 

Nails, kegs 

Coffee,* bags 

Salt, barrels 

" sacks 

•* bushels in bulk 

Boots and .Shoes, cases 

Bagging, yards manufactured 



1888. 



2,01(j,019 


1,983,717 


3,973,155 


3,(5.33 


194 


11,<J70,440 


14,510 


313 


19,9I(i,299 


1(1,57(5 


38(1 


9,819,800 


9,7(;3 


545 


410,550 


23(5 


72(1 


8,194, 14(i 


2,!t32 


192 


(52,890,439 


48,748 


5(52 


107,884 


85 


394 


27,140 


37 


592 


(),9()2 
19,(!2(i,(i29 






17,347 


18(5 


527,900 


520 


0(53 


31,814,049 


26,175 


977 


11,248,777 


9,234 


043 


(i9.o,137 


301 


(53(1 


540,875 


4(54 


828 


45(>,(!f)9 


417 


425 


929,230 


1,0.52 


240 


220,(513,987 


114,.5(i8 


211 


.58,458 


57 


048 


74,181 


79 


(504 


()27,22(;,9(;(i 


(575,144 


047 


3,449,000 


2,(549 


000 


1(58,939 


191 


t;87 


393,989 


3(1(5 


10(5 


39,789 


138 


312 


99,890 


1.53 


479 


149,370 


178 


7(10 


91,375 


180 


878 


43,2(59 


45 


904 


1,853,781 


1,432 


054 


69(1,579 


70(5 


472 


192,940 


184 


312 


330,110 


394 


(576 


24,(549 


32 


0(50 


2.54,700 


320 


490 


488,514 


362 


446 


12,000,000 


15,000 


000 



•Note.— The receipts for the past four years averaged 241,834 bags; the 
decrease in 1887 and 1888 is owing to reduced consumption on account of increase 
in cost. 










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CONCLUSION. 



309' 



THK lUSIXESS TONNAGE IX LEADING ARTICLES, RECEIPTS 

AND SHIPMENTS TO AND FROM ST. LOUIS, FOR 

THE YEARS LS87 AND 1888. 

SHIl'.MENTS. 



Articles. 



Wool, pounds 

Cottou, bales 

Hides, pouuds 

Wheat and Flour, in bushels Wheat. 

Flour, (alone) l)arrels 

Meats — hoi; product — pouuds 

Manufactured Tobacco, pouuds 

.\le and Beer, packages 

Nails, kegs 

Lumber, feet 

Pig Iron, tons 

Iron Ore, " 

Ziuc " " 

Lead, 8n-pouud pigs, each 

ZincTaud Spelter, slabs 

Barbed Wire, pounds 

White Lead, " 

Dried Fruit, sacks and barrels 

Bagging, rolls 



1888. 



21,4(13,998 
r)l'H,185 

4o,2:»(;,.-)8i 

l(i,4s8,723 

2,(iS2,405 

24(;,238,457 



1887 



2,310,2(;8 

5<il,818 



.-)1,7(!0 

123,537 

20,995 

1,293,919 

X24,3G0 



39,135,340 

98,5(J9 

181,104 



17,392,858 

50],S(!7 

31, 47(1, 338- 

17,8(;o,755. 

2,594,881 

149,998,707 

1,298,250 

2, 340, (J 50 

541,4c8 

.344,4.34,000 

.")0,489' 

219,877 

19,038 

7()<i,807 

708,32(> 

27,000,843 

34,2(57,439 

137,694 

3(i0,(i09 



CONCLUSION. 



A RESUME OF THE PROGRESS AND PROSPECTS OF 
THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



PROGRESS. 



The growth of tlie city of St. Louis in all its staple 
manufactures, and established industries continues steady 
and rapid. It supplies machinery and an infinite variety 
of its productions, as well as merchandise of every de- 

19 



310 ST, LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

scription, to a wide district of surrounding territory, in- 
cluding some in wliich its merchants and manufacturers 
compete successfully with other cities in their own fields. 

The receipts of this market for the last year, ending 
December 31, 1888, in all the great staples of grain, 
cotton, wool, furs, hides, meats, butter, tobacco, lead, 
zinc, coal, cattle, sheep, hogs, horses, mules, etc. — were 
greater than its predecessor. 

The shipments during the same period of all the 
products of farm and forest, of mines and factories, in- 
cluding sales of merchandise and commodities, were in 
volume and value in excess of the preceding year. 

At the present date, March 15, 1889, the construction 
of dwelling houses and business blocks in activQ progress 
is larger than usual, outdoor work being facilitated by the 
present mild season. But, the opinion is justified — from 
what is now known — that the private, corporate and 
municipal buildings and improvements which will be con- 
structed within the city limits the present year will surpass 
in magnitude and value those of any previous year in 
its history. 

At no time hitherto, was the outlook so full of prom- 
ise of extensive and large results — in economic values — in 
all that relates to Production, Conversion and Exchange 
in its trade and industries. 

And, foremost of all in material wealth and values 
of the city — its Eeal Estate — there is not in it at the 
present time any inflation of prices, but a bouyancy which 
strikingly reflects its grand future ! And, whilst the 
realty of this city is largely dependent for its practical 
value upon the general prosperity, it j)ossesses an intrinsic 
value — throuo;h its rare advantages of site and surround- 
ings — which is potent in strength to help every other 
interest and give them lasting vitality. 



CONCLUSION. 311 



PROSPECTS, u 



PRIVATE, COHPOKATE AND MTXICIPAL lU'ILDIXG AM) WOIIKS 
OF IMPROVEMENT PLANNED AND UNDERTAKEN. 



I'HIVATK AND COKP HATK. 

Briefly aivon, the following iiiuy he named as a few of 
the lai-ii'er works planned the present 3'ear, some of which 
are under construction. The Merchants' Railwa}^ Bridge 
Company, composed exclusively of St. Louis capitalists, 
have begun the erection of another steel railway bridire — 
a counterpart of the present magnificent structure span- 
ning the Mississippi. It is expected that the new bridge 
will be completed by 1H91. The needs of an enlarged 
and growing commerce loudly calls for its early construc- 
tion. And, as necessary adjuncts of the bridge, another 
■company of St. Louis' wealth}' and enterprising men, will 
build surface and elevated railway tracks and depots at the 
East End — river front of the city. 

Also, the score of great railroad corporate lines which 
enter this city — ])()urino: their daily tides of human beings 
into the Union Passenger Depot, which for a long time 
past has been inadequate in its accommodations to the 
demands for space, and the convenience and comfort 
of the millions of railway travelers who each year come to 
St. Louis — have at length resolved to build a new depot. 
They will soon begin the work of erecting a new passenger 
union depot whose plan, dimensions and appointments 
will l)e in acordance with the best modern improvements 
in such structures and ample for the re(|uirements of 
another decade. 

The buildings and realty improvements commenced 
and contemplated by private citizens and syndicates of 
capitalists, are the construction of both private and public 
boulevards and pai'ks.; of business blocks for stores and 



312 ST. LOUIS or to-day. 

offices; new manufacturing plants and the enlargement of 
existing ones. Also, of dwellings — residences suited to 
the means and wants of every class of citizens — built by 
capitalists, for sale and rent. They will be provided — and 
some replete — with modern conveniences, and built with 
suitable regard to taste and health. Some of the resi- 
dences — intended by their builders for their own family 
homes — will vie in cost, elegance and beauty with, if they 
do not surpass, any of the splendid dwellings heretofore 
erected in this city. 

MUNICIPAL. 

The municipality through its legislative bod}' and with 
the approval of the mayor has recently decided to build a 
new City Hall — upon the eligible site of Washington 
s(]uare, of six acres of ground. A large sum of money is 
now Ij^ing in the cit}^ treasury, being a special appropriation 
for the purpose. The cost will be not less than one million 
dollars. The site belongs to the city — by purchase many 
years since. 

The board of Public Works has under construction ad- 
ditions to the present grand system of sewerage, equaled 
in effective utility by only two other cities of the United 
States (Cincinnati and Nashville). Also, the opening, 
construction and paving of new streets, including further 
re-construction with granite blocks. The building of new 
Avater works of greater strength and capacity, is energetic- 
ally pressed. The plans include the construction of a 
conduit of seven miles length and a diameter of nine feet, 
and other radical improvements. These great works are 
to be completed within five j^ears. They will furnish 
daily fifty million gallons of wholesome water. The plant 
is adapted to supply double that quantity at a moderate 
additional outlay. The full cost has been provided for 
in cash appropriations and will be met, together with the 



CONCLUSION. 313 



full sum of the "Water Bonds aiimially inatiiriiinr, out of 
the currcMit water re\enues by the yoav 1(SH3. 

Finally, the faeilities for rai)id transit within the city 
limits and extendinir into the suburbs, whieh now com- 
prise upwards of 1(50 miles in length, of street railways, 
nearly all of whieh are double tracked, will — durinjr the 
present year — be much increased. The motive power 
to be utilized will continue to be that of the cal)le sys- 
tem or electric motors on all the princi[)al street pas- 
senger railway lines. 

A sj'stem of elevated street raiheai/s of considerable 
magnitude and importance, is now under consideration in 
the city legislature. Fewer property owners now than 
formerly object to the elevated railway system, while man\- 
of the most cautious citizens earnestly approve it. 

Lastly, it can be said — cannot be controverted — that 
rarely has a city of this or any other country made, 
within the term of a short decade — such substantial 
progress in every element of solid growth as the citv of 
St. Louis. No city to-day possesses a founchition more 
substantial. Not a single drawback is in view, or can 
be adduced upon good judg!nent, that can prevent its 
steady development or mar its splendid i)ros[)ects. But, 
the conti-ary is the case, in numerous tangible evidences 
of greatness possessed by the present city, which presage 
a future of surpassing wealth and power I 



?,u 



gT. LOUIS or TO-DAY 




BUILDING OF THE IXDEPENDKNT OUDEK OF ODD FELLOWS. 



APPKNDIX. 



TIIK ACTUAL SUMS OF THK ANNUAL ASSESSMKXT OF TAXES 
ON KEAL AND PERSONAL PKOrEHTV. 



The lioures oi the assessnieiits reported to tlie Mayor are 
made to the end of the llseal year, the Dth <jf Aj)ril, but are 
handed to him the preceding month, and prior to the assembling 
of the City Board of EqnaUzation. The table presented on 
page !(0 is made from the record in the Com;)troller's office^ 
and shows the assessment ufter its rerifiiou by that Board. 

THE WESTERN COMMEIUTAL TRAVELERS' ASSOtTATIOX OF 

ST. LOUIS. 

. MODKUX JIKTHOD OF ?:KK1;CTIXU SALKS TO DISTAN'T DKALP:RS 
TUK " DltUMMKl!." 



The system — adopted at the period of the civil war and 
continued ever since — of taking orders from distant dealers at 
their places of business, through an agent of a city merchant, 
has become an established custom. 

The agent, known as a " commercial traveler " more recently, 
but '• a drummer" formerly, is, almost invariably, a (/entleman — 
in manners, character and life. He has — must have — tact, push 
and principle. Upon him depends — in a large measure — the 
reputation of his house or emjiloye'*. If he speaks truthfully, 
and represents his goods fairl}', his employer is benelitted by 
the increased resi)ect and conlidence of the customer. And, the 
salesman stands surely /// the esteem not only of his employer, 
l)ut in the heart}' regards of all with whom he deals. But, if by 
any ill conduct, he should accpiire tiie displeasure of his customer, 
then, the principal or employer is damaged, and the agent loses 
the friendship of both I 

The traveler — who is chosen by his employer for character 
and qualilications — is expected to possess good judgment, a keen 

315 



316 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 



appreciation of motives, and clear discrimination of facts, dil- 
igently learned, when making up his opinion of the fitness of a 
new cnstomer. And, he should exercise his wits at all times in 
dealing with an old customer, so as to value him according to 
his true worth. The credit of an honorable customer is some- 
times temporarily' effected by business mutations which he 
cannot control, and to cut him off entirely might result in serious 
consequences to the creditor — the principal of the agent. 
In other cases, he will be called upon to communicate cautiously 
with his house in respect to circumstances and appearances 
affecting the credit standing of a customer, which perhaps could 
not be known in time through any wide-awake " commercial 
agency." 

The extraordinary success of the St. Louis Western Com- 
mercial Travelers' Association in acquiring, not only its large 
membership of twenty-five hundred, but in its efficiency as a 
"live" organization, are matters of surprise to the thoughtful 
observer. In fact, the association is a successful life indemnity 
company — of fraternal members. The legal representatives, 
upon the demise of a member, receive an early payment of the 
" assurance " in the sum of five thousand dollars! This sum is 
readily raised by an assessment of two dollars — made upon each 
member. What a grand gift that large sum is to bereaved wife 
and children ! 

The St. Louis Western Commercial Travelers' Association is 
the largest of any similar association west of the Alleghany 
mountains. It is ably officered and managed — by men of high 
character and intelligence, in active sympathy with its commend- 
able objects, and with the men who form its worthy membership. 



ST. LOUIS AS A SEAPORT. 
A NEW YORK BUSINESS PAPER'S VIEW OF IT, JANUARY, 18S9. 



A recent issue of the New York Glohe^ a weekly business re- 
view, contains an article on "St. Louis as a Seaport," which is 
of interest to the people of this city and the West. The paper says : 

The unknown author of a song which we have not heard since 
we were on blue water in an old wooden ship, years ago, may 



APPENDIX. 317 



have liad in his projjhetic eye tiie future "old sah " of St. Louis 
when he wrote : 

He called for his sextant and took the moon, 

And a liiir, l)rijiht star took ht; 
On the (leek of his sehoonei-, and worked a Lunar, 

As he sailed down the ^[ississii)pee — sippee, 

As he sailed down the ^lississipp — ee ! 

But tlie subject of our heading is one about whieli St. Louis 
is iu dead earnest, and has good reason to be, if the Lueas 
steamship proves itself able to tussle with old Neptune on salt 
witer. The Mississippi River and Ocean Navigation Company 
proi)ose to build steel vessels, carrying 1,000 tons of freight ou 
seven feet draught, with a long and very deep movable keel, 
to be lowered when needed at sea. The space for this keel, 
which would l)e the n-eU in a center-l)oard vessel, is so long that, 
practicall}-, the ship is composed of two hulls bound together at 
the stem and stern for a sufficient distance to insure soliditj', and 
each having a permanent keel sufficient to give steadiness and 
steerage qualities when in smooth water. Those who have 
battled with the sea in North Atlantic gales, or off Cape Horn, 
will need to have faith in the strength of material and mode of 
construction and in the judgment of experts in order to feel quite 
easy regarding the abilit}^ of the movable keel to stand the strain 
that will be put upou it; but. the prospectus reminds scientific 
croakers of Dr. Larduer's prediction, that no steamship could l)e 
built that would cross the Atlantic ! We see but three things 
needed for complete success : Capital, and surely an amjile amount 
can be secured to build one trial ship. Proof of its mechan- 
ical success will insure all the capital required. IJut, there should 
be such reform of our tariff as will permit the importation of 
Spanish-American products in exchange for our Hour, provisions 
and manufactures. St. Louis is admirably situated for trade 
with all the p.orts on the Gulf and Carribbean Sea, many of 
which, like St. Louis, are on riveis which are not navigable by 
ordinar}' sea-going vessels, and to which it would be a great 
l)oon to be able to receive American cargoes without trans- 
shi|)ment. 

Such a commerce would richly compensate St. Louis for trade 
which might be diverted from her by the changes wrought in the 



318 ST, LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

multiplication of railways. The statistics furnished in the com- 
pany's prospectus of commerce with Europe and with the coun- 
try of our South American neighbors — " so near, and yet so 
far," under our present conditions — are instructive, and so 
astounding as to make an American, who believes himself to be 
sane, to disbelieve in the sanity of the nation. 



DIKECT LINE OF STEAMERS BETWEEN ST. LOUIS AND 
BUENOS AYRES. 

FROM THE ST. LOUIS REPUBLIC, OCTOP.ER, 1883. 



It having come to the notice of a Republic reporter, that im- 
portant news had been received by the promoters of the Mis.sis- 
sippi Kiver and Ocean , Navigation Company, more generally 
known as the Lucas ship enterprise, he went to the office of Mr. 
John F, Cahill yesterday to ascertain the truth of the rumor. 
This gentleman, to whom is due in great i)art the success which 
has so far attended the enterprise, stated that within the past 
few days he had received from representatives of the Argentine 
Republic the most positive assurances, that the government of 
that [rogressive South American Republic would ratify the pro- 
visions of the concessiou to the River and Ocean Navigation Co. 
of St. Louis, which has already been sent direct from here. It 
was carried in duplicate by an influential gentleman specially 
commissioned for this i)urpose, to the city of Buenos Ayres. 
For several months past, the attention of tlie Argentine and other 
governments of Spanish America has been attracted to the im- 
portance of the Lucas ship, as it is known that in those countries 
there are very few railroads, and all transportation of import and 
export has to be carried on by rivers. This is i)articularly true 
as to the great commercial city of Buenos Ayres. whose popula- 
tion of nearly 450,000, and commerce of many hundreds 
of millions annually, are dependent on the costly transfers of 
freight and passengers from and to the numerous lines of ocean 
steamships, which are prevented from going within ninny miles 
of the city of Buenos Ayres — because of the bars and shallow 
water in the River La Plata. The Argentine government was on 



APPENDIX. 3iy 

the point of making an ai)pro})riation of $9,000,000.00 for remov- 
ing two bars and decpeningthe river to 2o feet — which wonld take 
many 3'ear.s to aeconii^lish — when tlieir representatives in this 
country called their attention to the Lucas ship. Investigation 
was made, opinions of competent engineers were sought, and the 
plans of the Lucas ship i)r()nounced practicable, and its api)lica- 
tion desiral)le from an economic and commercial standi)oint. 
This resulted in the submission of a very liberal offer to the 
Kiver and Ocean Navigation Company, in the form of a con- 
cession from the Argentine Republic — from the original of which 
are translated the following provisions — for the establishment of a 
line of steamships between the ports of St. Louis and New 
Orleans in the I'nited States, that of Buenos Ayres and one 
other ])ort which the Argentine government may designate. 

rUOVISIONS OK TIIIC FHAXCHISK. 

1. The steamers of the River and Ocean Navigation Co.. of 
the Lucas patent, will makj one or more trips monthl}- l)etween 
ihe ports of St. Louis, New Orleans and Buenos Aatcs and 
another port to I)e hereafter designated. 

2. The average speed of these steamers is to be 20 miles 
per hour on the ocean. 

3. The Argentine Repuldic will guarantee to the^company 
for ten (10) years twenty-live (27)) {)cr cent of the net products 
of its capital, which is to be five millions of dollars(So.OOO.OOO.OO) 
in gold or its eciuivaleiit. 

i. When the capital invested shall produce more than 12 
l)er cent of interest annually, the company shall deliver into the 
treasury the excess until all the sums ohtaiiic(l by it as a guar- 
antee shall have been rc-imbursed. 

0. For the immediate construction of two ships the Argen- 
tine government will guarantee the amount of stock the i'i)m- 
pany may deem necessary to issue, and, if deemed recpiisile. a 
company may l»e organi/x'il for this purpose. 

(■». The Argt'utiiu' government will guarantee T) per cent 
annually on the sum of SI .000.000.00 to be employed in the con- 
struction of two ships destined for navigation between Buenos 
Ayres and New Orleans an<l ports of the Mississii)pi N'alley. and 
two that are to lie used in the river service of the interior. 



320 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAV. 

WATER COMMUNICATION A NECESSITY. 

NOVKMHEi:, 1888. 



Hon. John Dra^'ton, consul at Tuxpan, Mexico, in a letter to 
Mr. Mitchel, Secretary of the New Orleans Chamber of Com- 
merce, states that the exports from Tuxpan, amount to uearh' 
$2,000,000 j^early, fvnd consist principally of vanillia. chiele, 
hides, deerskins, dyewood, cedar, mahogany, honey, sarsaparilla, 
rubber, coffee and fruit, nearly all of which go to New York. 

Further on in his letter the consul says : 

•' Now, there is no reason why New Orleans, with the whole 
Mississippi Valley to back her with all of its produce and manu- 
factures, cannot place merchandise of all classes here as reason- 
able as New York, if not more so, for she is but two daj's and 
a half from an}^ of these ports. So, if she cannot put in more 
steamers and offer the same inducements and accomodations as 
New York for this trade then it must continue in the old course. 
The trade natually belongs to her. Draw a line from New Orleans 
to the City of Mexico and 3^ou will see that Tuxpan is the nearest 
port on it. At any rate it would be worth the while to send out 
commissioners to examine the prospects and put a line of steamers 
to run the coast, for there are many merchants who would go to 
New Orleans to purchase their supplies if there were convenient 
transportation facilities to transact their business. 

The lands are very fertile, producing two crops of corn on 
the same acre every year, also all vegetables and fruits. Sugar 
lands are excellent and need very little cultivation after the first 
year, and last six, eight or ten, without re-planting, producing 
two and three hogsheads to the acre. For enterprises a sugar 
refinery, paper mill, powder mill, would do well if properly 
managed. Petroleum abounds in many localities." 

VIEWS OF ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT, UPON AN ISTHMUS 

ROUTE. 

The Baron, Alexander Von Humboldt, the distinguished 
traveler and author of "Cosmos," explored Central America 
about the 3'ear 1800. He spent considerable time in exten- 



APPENDIX. 321 



sive researches. His opiuious as a scientist are entitled to the 
greatest weight ujionthe practieahiHty of a marine route to India» 
via the narrow neck of land which unites the two continents. 
He ma}' be quoted as reliable authority favorable to the feas- 
ibility of the construction of a passage through from ocean ta 
ocean. Humboldt voiced the desire of every nation for the 
opening of the speediest and cheapest route from Western 
Europe to Eastern Asia, including all the countries lying between, 
which, since his time had come to be among the chief producing 
and commercial nations of the globe. Now, after the lapse 
of more than sixty 3''ears, the short and direct passage is 
demanded a hundred times more cogeuth' by the emergencies of 
commerce. It is is reasonably assumed, that the i)eoi)le 
of the United States cannot afford to leave the great 
work of opening the Isthmus to be done after the beginning of 
the twentieth century — now only a decade distant — but should 
begin it at once. 

EXTKACTKD FROM THF: NEW YORK FINANCIAL AND MINING RECuUD' 
JANUARY 5, 1889. 

As long since as February 21, 1827, Goethe, in a conversation 
with Eckerman — who noted the great German's word that same 
night — about what Humboldt had written upon the subject of a 
passage-wav through the Isthmus of Panama, remarked as 
quoted by Eckerman : 

'•Humboldt, who has, with a great knowledge of his subject, 
given other points where by making use of some streams which 
flow into the Gulf of Mexico, the end may be bi'tter attained 
than at Panama. All this is reserved for the future and for an 
enterjirising spirit. So nuich. however, is certain, that if they 
succeed in cutting such a channel that ships of an^- burden and 
size can navigate through it from the Mexican Gulf to the Pacific 
Ocean, innumerable hf^neJitH iconld result to the whole human race 
civilized and uncivilized. But I should wonder if the United 
States should let an opportunity escape of GETTiN<i such 
woHK INTO THEIR OWN HANDS. It may be foreseen that this 
young State, with decided predilection for the West will, in thirty 
or foHy years, have occupied and peopled the large tract of land 
west of the Rocky Mountains. It may, furthermore, be seen 



322 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. 

that along the whole coast of the Pacific ocean where Nature has 
formed the most capacious and secure harbors, important com- 
mercial towns will gradually arise for the furtherance of a great 
intercourse between China and the East Indies and the United 
States. In such a case, it would be not only desirable hut almost 
necessary, that a more ra})id communication should be maintained 
between the Eastern and Western shores of North America, 
both by merchant ships and men of war, than has hitherto been 
possible with the tedious, disagreeable and expensive voyage 
around Cape Horn. I tlierefore repeat that it is absolutely indis- 
' pen sable for the United States to effect a passage from the Mexican 
Gulf to the Pacific Ocecm; and I am certain they will do it." 

In that same notable conversation Ga^the said that he should 
like to see "England in the posseseion of a canal through the 
Isthmus of Suez." 



NEW NATIONAL BANK. 



CITY OF ST. LOUIS, MARCH L5, 1889. 



THE CONTINENTAL APPLIES FOR A CHARTER, AND WILL 
INCREASE ITS CAPITAL TO $2,000,000.00. 

The first practical result of the Act of Congress making 
St. Louis a centred reserve city under the national banking law, 
came to light yesterday, when it became known that the Conti- 
nental Bank had resolved to nationalize and increase its stock 
from two hundred thousand to two million dollars. Application 
was forwarded by the bank last night to the Comptroller at 
Washington for a charter, and subscription books will be 
opened at the bank to-morrow, the 16th. The stock will be 
awarded in the order that subscriptions are offered. TJie Con- 
tinental National Bank will be an entirely new institution, but 
will be under the same management which has been in charge for 
the past eight years and which has been conspicuously successful. 
During that time the deposits have increased from about $400^,000 
to over $3,000,000. The new bank will liquidate the Conti- 
nental Bank, take such of its assets as the directors may approve. 



APPENDIX. 323 



and assume to pay its depositors. Since St. Louis was made a 
central reserve city tlie inducements for operating- under the 
national bank law are verj' much increased, the removal of the 
10-per cent restriction on interior national banks naturally 
brincjino- to this point largely increased lines ojf deposit. It is 
conceded hi/ well-informed citizens that St. Louis is not over- 
banked, but, on the contrary, is o ^/ine field for more honk copitid. 
It has been a matter of comment that St. Louis has fewer 
national l)anks than any other city on the continent of similar 
size and wealth. Chicago, for instance, has twenty-two natioijal 
banks, employing $16,000,000 capital: Baltimore seventeen 
nati(^nal banks, with $10,000,000 capital: Cincinnati thirteen 
banks and $9,000,000 capital, while St. Louis has only four 
national banks, with $3,000,000 capital. 

The ollicers of the new concern will l)e George A. IJaker. 
President: J. M. Thompson, Vice President ; Chas. W. Bullen, 
Cashier. Directors — J. M. Thompson, C. S. Freel)orn. IL A. 
Crawford, I. G. Baker, Geo. W. Parker, Joseph Hill, K. C. 
Kerens, Chas. F. Gauss, H. L. Morrill. L. B. Tehbetts and 
George A. Baker. 



A HUMANITARIAN PROJECT. 



AN EMERGENCY HOSPITAL. 



ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW INSTITUTION FOR THE 
STRICKEN AND INJURED. 

The design of the projectors in the establishment of an 
emergency hosjntcd in this city is in the line of true 
humanity. The duty of the early care of the unfortunate 
— stricken ui)on the daily battle field of human life in a great 
city — necessarily falls upon the able. The new institution will 
supply almost the only want — emergency — in the numerous 
and admirably appointed infirmaries and hos])itals of this city. 

The new liosjntal is to be established at No. 410 North 
Eleventh street, a very eligible spot in view of its centrality. It 
will 1)6 under the ausi)ices of the St. Louis Mullanphy Hospital. 



324 ST. LOUIS OF TO-DAY. * 

with its corps of surgeons and physicians. Also, of the Sisters of 
Charity, who are well known for their intelligent care of the sick. 
A prospectus says of the proposed establishment : " The need of 
an 'E^mergency Hospital' in St. Louis has long been felt by the 
manufacturers, builders, steam and street railroad, telegraph 
and telephone companies, and by others whose employes are 
especially endangered by accident. When the saving in suffer- 
ing and life, which is insured by the prompt action and efficient 
means at the command of an institution of this character is con- 
sidered, it must commend the 'Emergency Hospital' to the 
favorable consideration and liberal support of the benevolent 
citizen, as it does to the business community. It may not be 
out of place to say to those who have not given the subject 
attention, that emergency hospitals are not by any means new 
or their efficiency a matter of experiment. On the contrary, 
there are many in operation in a number of cities in this country, 
as well as in the cities and large manufacturing districts in 
Europe, where they have been successful and have demonstrated 
by actual trial not only their efficiency but their necessity. 

Physicians will be in constant attendance and will always ac- 
company the ambulance to the scene of accident, fully prepared 
to render all possible assistance and relief, afterward conveying 
the injured to their houses or to the hospital, as may be desired. 
Ambulances, fully equipped for anj^ emergency, will be kept in 
readiness to respond at a momont's notice to any call for acci- 
dent cases, thus lessening to a great degree the danger from 
loss of blood which is increased by dela^-s. The ministrations of 
the '■Emergency Hosjntal ' in all its dei)artments ivill he absolutely 
free. No charges whatever will be made for the services of physi- 
cians or nurses, use of ambulance, nor for that of the hospital while 
the injured remain there. The feature of the hospital ren- 
ders it necessary that it shall depend for the means of its 
establishment and support on voluntary contributions from the 
benevolent people of this city, and it is confidently hoped that 
the generous liberality which has ever characterized the citizens, 
of St. Louis will not be wanting in this particular instance. 
Especially is it hoped that those whose employes are liable to 
accident will assist liberally towards the establishment and 
future success of an 'Emergency Hospital ' in our city. Tele- 
phone calls for the ambulance will be promptly responded to at 
any hour of the day or night." 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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